{
  "id": 1781396,
  "title": "New mum returns to international 'murderball' with blunt new perspective",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/new-mum-returns-to-international-murderball-with-blunt-new-perspective",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T19:29:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-19/new-mum-ella-sabljak-australia-wheelchair-rugby-world-champs/107046698"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ella Sabljak, a new mother, competes in Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Brazil. Less than a year after giving birth, Sabljak returns to international competition with her infant son, Billie, joining the Australian Steelers' mixed-gender roster. Sabljak acknowledges motherhood has changed her perspective, stating that she wants to work hard and get out of the competition faster than before. She emphasizes that if something takes time away from her son, it will not be worth it. Sabljak's return to the sport was not anticipated, but encouraged by her teammates who visited her after giving birth. Her presence in the Steelers' camp has been refreshing for the team, as several of them are parents themselves. Wheelchair rugby, known as \"murderball,\" is a full-contact sport with mixed-gender teams, and the Steelers have been pioneers in increasing female representation.",
  "summary": "Ella Sabljak returns to international competition less than a year after giving birth to her first child, with the Australian Steelers in the hunt for Wheelchair Rugby World Championship glory in Brazil.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ella Sabljak returns to Wheelchair Rugby World Championship one year postpartum.",
    "New mother Billie joins Australian Steelers mixed-gender roster.",
    "Sabljak aims to prioritize son's needs over competition demands."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "New mum returns to international 'murderball' with blunt new perspective",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/new-mum-returns-to-international-murderball-with-blunt-new-perspective-1781926",
        "published": "2026-08-18T19:29:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}