Western Sydney University celebrates student success at Paralympics
Western Sydney University congratulates Timothy Hodge and Gordon Allan on their success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in the swimming and cycling events.
Both students are currently studying at the University with Timothy studying the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Gordon the Bachelor of Health Science (Sport and Exercise Science).
Timothy Hodge from Kings Langley collected three medals – a bronze in the Men's 100m Backstroke - S9, and silver in the Men's 200m Individual Medley - SM9 and Men's 4x100m Medley Relay - 34 Points.
As a seasoned swimmer, Timothy joined his first Australian team at just 14 and was selected for the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Touching down in Japan, he said he felt excited that the last five years of training and all the hardships through lockdowns had finally paid off.
“To be able to experience another Paralympics and to compete at the top level of sport in the world in green and gold is something that not many people get to do once, let alone twice, so it's something that I will always remember,” said Timothy.
Gordon Allan from Lalor Park broke the former world record in the Men's C1-3 1000m Time Trial placing fifth, and came ninth in the Mixed 750m team sprint C1-5 qualifier.
At the age of 19, Gordon secured a place on the Australian Cycling Team at the 2018 Para Track World Championships and came fifth in the 1km time trial. He has since gone on to break multiple world records and claim World Championship medals and has always looked up to those who competed at the games.
“To finally be here myself is really special and I'm just looking forward to soaking in the whole experience and putting on the green and gold kit!” said Gordon.
Brendan Hoey, Sport Coordinator at the University, said Timothy and Gordon should be extremely proud of what they achieved at the Games.
“It’s amazing to have such talented student-athletes as part of our University community and it was fantastic to be able to watch them in action and cheer them on, they had us on the edge of our seats each and every race,” said Mr Hoey.
Find out more about Western Sydney University’s Elite Athletes or Performers Scheme here (opens in a new window).
ENDS
9 September 2021
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