Ella Sabljak embarked on her wheelchair basketball journey in 2008, and by 2011, she had already made her mark on the international stage, representing Australia at the Women’s U25 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship in Canada. There, her contributions helped the team secure the silver medal.
In 2015, at the U25 Championship in China, Sabljak took on the role of national captain, leading her team to another silver medal. During the interim years, the 1.0 point guard steadily established herself at the senior level, debuting for the Gliders at the Osaka Cup in Japan in 2013. Her skills and positive influence within the team environment earned her regular selection in subsequent years.
The disappointment of the Gliders' failure to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games only fueled Sabljak and her teammates' determination. Their relentless effort paid off when they secured their place for the Tokyo 2020 Games. During the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic campaign, the Gliders finished 9th in the world.
In 2022, Ella Sabljak achieved another milestone when she represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games. She was part of the team that clinched a silver medal in 3x3 wheelchair basketball, marking the sport's inaugural inclusion in the Commonwealth Games.
Beyond wheelchair basketball, Sabljak expanded her sporting horizons. She became a key player for the Australian Steelers Wheelchair Rugby team, contributing to their victory in the 2022 World Championships held in Denmark.
Moreover, Sabljak's influence extends into the realms of advocacy and governance. Recognized for her leadership qualities, she was voted by her peers into the WADA Athlete Commission, becoming the only Australian representative, regardless of being an able-bodied or para-athlete. Additionally, she was recently elected into Paralympics Australia's Athlete Commission, further solidifying her commitment to shaping the future of para sports.
Hailing from Queensland, Ella Sabljak's journey epitomizes resilience, perseverance, and excellence. As both an athlete and a school teacher, she continues to inspire others with her dedication to sport and her community.
