NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Tim Hodge has finished the 2023 Para World Swimming Championships in Manchester with a full compliment of medals for his trophy cabinet – gold, silver and bronze.

On night 6 of the championships, Hodge secured his third and final medal of the meet, a bronze in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S9 in 1:02.15, to make up the full set with gold and silver. It was a gutsy swim from Hodge who has the busiest program of the Aussies.

“It was a good race. I didn’t quite get the time I wanted in the end, but every race is something to learn from and I’m very very happy to be coming home with a bonze medal,” Hodge said.

Reflecting on the meet and considering advice he would give to younger athletes or a younger version of himself, Hodge said.

“Definitely put in the hard cards, put in the training and listen to your coach above all else because in the end it will definitely be worth it.”

“Having a goal like coming to the world champs, winning a para world record and breaking a world record – things like that are very important. You want to set yourself big goals but with little stepping stones along the way.

“No matter how big the goal may seem at the moment it is definitely possible.”

On night three of the championships, Hodge stormed the field and won a silver medal in the Men’s 100m Butterfly S9, with a time of 59.74, marginally quicker than his 1:00.01 from the morning’s heats.

The day earlier he became a World Champion again, after winning the gold medal in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM9 with a commanding time of 2:12.74.

“To be able to win a gold medal for myself and become a world champion once more is great feeling,” the Blacktown local said.

The Dolphins have capped off a wonderful two weeks of swimming, finishing sixth on the medal count, the best result for the team in over a decade.

Frances Cordaro, NSWIS

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