Weighing in at about 100 pounds, Schmutz may look small compared to her teammates. But she is so brave that, despite the spectacular smashes that happen on a regular basis, Schmutz remains fearless.
Wheelchair rugby is also known as murderball, and for good reason-it's a no-guts-no-glory kind of game played by warriors in battle chairs. But Schmutz, who injured both of her arms and her spine at a serious car accident in 2000, was brave enough try out the sport.
Speed, strength, quick-wittedness and courage are the traits needed for wheelchair rugby. Males usually dominate the sport, despite it being a mixed event. So how can a female be as competitive as any other athlete on the court?
Eight years after Schmutz's accident, she realized her dream to represent Canada at the Paralympics. Though she was not on the court for the semis on Monday night, her performances in the previous games here in Beijing have demonstrated her remarkable never-say-die spirit.
(CCTV September 16, 2008)
