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Hodge blasts year off with precious metal – and confidence

For New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Paralympic swimmer Tim Hodge, it was business as usual at the Para Swimming World Series, which held its first event of 2025 in Melbourne.

“It almost felt like I was back home again”, he said after finishing a gym session at NSWIS HQ.

Despite entering the competition with no expectations, Hodge made a statement, racking up nine medals in his first competition of the year.

The two-time Paralympian secured three gold medals in the men’s:

50m backstroke

100m butterfly

4×100 mixed medley relay

And four silver medals for:

50m butterfly

50m breaststroke

100m backstroke

100m breaststroke.

Hodge also claimed two bronze medals in the:

100m freestyle

4×100 mixed freestyle relay.

“I was pleasantly surprised across the board with all my races”, Hodge said of his performance.

“Coming off the back of Paris [2024 Paralympic Games] and having a decent break, I ensured that I was getting into training wherever I could, and I’ve had a lot of support along the way.”

Hodge explained the priority at the start of a new year was honing back into the competitive mindset rather than worrying too much about medals.

“At this point of the year, the medals aren’t necessarily as important,” Hodge said.

“The major focus is hitting your processes, hitting your key points, seeing how the times change, and being able to react to racing situations.”

“Especially after having such a wild break from racing in Paris! It was about getting the fuel for it again, and I was fortunate enough that with the times, came the medals. I was really happy with the results overall.”

Beyond the podium finishes, the meet in Melbourne also steeled Hodge for the season ahead.

“It gives me a lot of confidence. One thing after the Paralympic Games is that it was difficult being able to reset and refocus after such a big event,” Hodge explained.

“The results in this competition have given me the chance to refocus, reset, and get back into the mindset.”

Hodge at the 2025 Para Swimming World Series in Melbourne. Ⓒ Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Hodge wasn’t the only NSWIS swimmer to have splashed a statement in Melbourne.

Fellow Paralympian Chloe Osborn also secured several gold medals, dominating the women’s 50m, 100m, and 400m freestyle events, as well as the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay.

She also earned a silver for the 4×100 mixed medley relay.

“It was absolutely amazing,” said Hodge of seeing his fellow Paralympic swimmers back in competition.

“We had a number of competitors who turned up to the meet, so it was a good measure of where everyone was at.”

“The fact that we were able to come away with so many medals, shows that whilst we did have our break after Paris, it was a necessary break. We came back refreshed and ready to go.”