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G’Day Team,
G’Day Team,
Hope you’re all good and that you vaguely remember me. The Team Twomey updates are few and far between these days, choosing to be a bit more selective with my words now instead of overwhelming constant updates.
I am writing, slightly belatedly to announce that after nearly a decade of setting my sights on competing at the Paralympic Games, I’ve been successful this year in my qualification and selection on the Australian Paralympic team for Triathlon in Paris this year!
I will be competing in the Men’s PTS4 classification in Paris on Sunday the 1st of September at 10:15AM CET / 6:15PM AEST on Channel 9. Hope to hear your cheers through the TV!
I’m over the moon to have achieved this goal and I know that everyone who has met me through this chase has understood how much I wanted this but to also get to the Games in a position to push myself to see what I can achieve on the day.
As this news has filtered through over the past few weeks, I’ve been overwhelmed and times by the love and support from friends new, old, near and far.
There have been many times along the way where it has felt like a very isolating and difficult goal. Announcing my selection has helped me see that I’m so supported by so many people, that are cheering me on at home and that has given me a new sense of motivation and joy for what has been achieved.
There are so many people, organisations and places I have to thank for their support and belief along the road, and if I thank everyone individually, I may be here forever so I’ll try and be short and sweet.
The START Foundation’s inaugural grant in 2017 for me to get a prosthetic with the goal of attempting the Paralympic Games was a big catalyst for where I am today personally and professionally.
Kerryn, Michelle, Don and the whole START team and family believed in me before they’d even had the opportunity to meet me. Getting the successful grant call, to practicing my gold medal speech in the shower will forever be burned in my memory.
The Black Dog Institute, who I was introduced to by my mate Jason and where I was fortunate to cross paths with PJ and the team at the Tattersalls club.
The values of BDI have aligned with me so strongly in this third chapter of my life, focusing on working on my own mental health and happiness, to make sure I’m not just an athlete, but a friend, family member and support for the people around me.
The team at the Tattersall’s club in Sydney were my biggest supporters early in my career to support me to my first trip overseas to compete for Australia in 2018, to my first European campaign in 2019 where I had some of my most successful racing up to that point.
I look forward to getting back to Australia for a Friday morning swim and breakfast, doing some exercise, enjoying some company and nice food and embodying all the values of BDI in one morning outing.
The Dylan Alcott Foundation have been paramount in my success over the past 5 years. They have been instrumental in my growing success since becoming a grant recipient in 2019.
Their relationship with Giant Australia has helped me upgrade from one of the worst set of equipment on the circuit, to arguably the best in the business and consistent improved performances with it.
I look forward to a new and exciting next chapter with DAF in the future and excited to see nearly a dozen DAF athletes at the Paralympic Games in Paris this year. A testament to Dyl and the team that what you do on the court is one element, but what you do off it can create a legacy that lasts forever.
Challenge Cancer, nearly two decades of supporting myself and my family along the way. Through the good, the bad and the ugly. A club membership you don’t expect to find yourself in, but one you’re glad they can’t kick you out of once you join.
My coach Danielle, who I would not have achieved this goal without. We’ve experienced a lot together as a team over the past 6 years and whilst I get all the limelight, this is not just my success, but ours and such an exciting experience to have together.
Of course, my original Team Twomey family at home. It’s been a hell of a ride over the past few decades, experiencing the true peaks and troughs of life and having everyone ride the waves with me. Glad we get to enjoy this peak together and cannot wait to celebrate when I’m home.
If you’ve read along this far, kudos because I definitely could have gone on longer than planned and could continue to mention others.
Time to go and get after it. It hasn’t always been easy, but over the last year I’ve continued to ask myself “ Is the juice is worth the squeeze?” The answer has always been YES.
See you in the Seine, Liam
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