Why Hodge’s OAM glitters like gold

Tim Hodge has found his calling twice.

Firstly, in the pool where the NSW Institute of Sport scholarship athlete now boasts seven Paralympic medals and now, out of the pool as an advocate and role model for Para athletes.

It almost seems inconceivable that as a four-year-old Hodge, sitting in bed one night after surgery with a bandage on his leg, said to his mum, ‘I’ll never be good at anything now’.

To which his mum responded: “You will be good at something; we’ll just have to find what it is.”

Never a truer word said for the now 24-year-old who has represented the Dolphins at three Paralympic Games, two Commonwealth Games and multiple World Championships and this year was awarded an OAM for his services to sport following the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Since making his Paralympic debut in Rio 2016 when he was just 15 years old, the boy from Blacktown has proudly stood on the podium six times. Including twice at the top when he won his maiden gold in Paris in the mixed 4x100m medley relay (34pt) and his first individual Paralympic gold in the men’s 200m individual medley (SM9).

But it’s not the medals hung around his neck nor the world and Paralympic records he continues to break that he strives for … it’s the platform that they provide him.

“[They’re] hard-earned medals matter of course … but the most value I got from Paris was in fact a platform – a platform and opportunity to promote Para sport and all that is needed to support the next generation,” Hodge said.

Following his golden success in Paris, Hodge received an Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day Awards.

“To receive an OAM was incredible. Growing up you witness athletes and other leaders in their respective space receive the same honour and they are all held in such high regard,” he said.

“For me especially, as a Para-athlete, it’s means a lot to see my achievements recognised. I like to think that I’m building a legacy that inspires and supports the Paralympic movement across all levels.

“In a way, the more I can achieve as an athlete, or that we can as a Nation, the more barriers we can break down.”

Hodge was born missing two fingers and a toe while also living with fibular hemimelia, which meant that he had to have his right leg amputated before starting primary school. In addition, Hodge also has dysmelia affecting his right hand and left foot.

“Everyone has low points in their life. I guess the measure of a truly resilient, truly inspiring person isn’t necessarily what their best is, it’s that they can keep doing better than what they did before,” he said.

Hodge, who is studying Electrical Engineering part-time at Western Sydney University, hopes that the legacy he leaves is one of a “helping hand” that extends beyond the pool.

“Legacy to me is the ability to inspire. It’s utilising my platform and experience to advocate for seemingly simple things like more accessible facilities as well as be a role model that encourages others to swim and chase their dreams,” he said.

“Matt Cowdrey was my idol growing up. I chased all of his national records, and I hope that there are kids out there now who are wanting to chase mine … but I won’t make it easy for them.”

As of 2022, one in five Australians (21.4 per cent or 5.5 million Australians) live with a disability, a significant increase from 17.7 per cent in 2018 (ABS, 2024). This growing demographic highlights the importance of inclusive opportunities for physical activity and sport.

According to AusPlay data, swimming is the most popular sport-related activity among individuals with disabilities. In the adult group (ages 25-54), an estimated 202,000 people participate, while in the mature adult group (ages 55+), the number rises to 218,000.

Swimming also ranked second in popularity for young adults (ages 18-24), with 32,000 participants, following running/athletics, which leads the category with 43,000 participants (AusPlay, 2023).

Given the growing participation in swimming among Australians with disabilities, the need for more accessible and inclusive facilities is evident.

“A purpose-built National Aquatic Centre, one that is designed with inclusivity and community at its heart, would be incredibly valuable and leave an inspiring legacy far beyond Brisbane 2032,” Hodge said.

“Para sports has come such a long way, there’s no denying that, but the reality is that barriers still exist. I had to overcome a lot of barriers when I was starting out and those before me had to fight even more to chase their dreams.

“A National Aquatic Centre that hones and inspires swimming at all levels and across all abilities is a significant leap in the right direction towards breaking down barriers and setting the future up for success.”

Hodge kicked off a new Paralympic cycle at the recent World Para Series in Melbourne, blowing out the post-Paris cobwebs to secure six medals, including two gold.

The 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games would mark Hodge’s fourth consecutive Paralympic Games – not bad for a boy from Blacktown.

Story: Swimming Australia