Josh Hose OAM – 2022 VU Sport Hall of Fame inductee

Josh Hose OAM is one of Australia’s most accomplished wheelchair rugby athletes and a proud Victoria University graduate. His journey to international success began after a life-changing car accident at age 18 left him a quadriplegic.

Following weeks in an induced coma and extensive rehabilitation, Josh discovered wheelchair rugby while watching the Victorian state team train. What began as part of his recovery soon became a passion. His progress was rapid, and after narrowly missing selection for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, he earned a place on the Australian Steelers squad.

Josh made his Paralympic debut at the London 2012 Games, where the Steelers defeated Canada to win Australia’s first Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair rugby. The team continued its remarkable success over the following years, becoming the first nation to hold back-to-back Paralympic gold medals and a World Championship title within a four-year period.

At the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the Steelers triumphed again in a dramatic double-overtime final against the United States. Josh also represented Australia at two World Championships, winning both gold and silver medals.

After initially retiring in 2016 to focus on his career in the disability sector, Josh took up wheelchair track racing and achieved an international top-ten time in the 200m event. He later returned to wheelchair rugby and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games before retiring from international competition in 2021 with 152 games for Australia.

Josh was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his contribution to sport and received a Victoria University Full Blue in 2013.
Today he continues to support others as a Peer Support Coordinator with AQA Victoria, working with people living with spinal cord injuries. He is also a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing powerful messages about resilience, road safety and overcoming adversity.

His induction into the Victoria University Sport Hall of Fame recognises both his remarkable sporting achievements and his commitment to helping others thrive.