From the basketball court to the archery field, Brisbane’s Thomas Holland-Roach is redefining what it means to be a versatile sportsman in Australia.
Having made a notable impact on the world of High-Performance Wheelchair Basketball, Tom took up the bow and arrow three years ago and has been hitting bullseyes ever since. One of the original members of the Brisbane Para Squad, he now practices his craft at Mt Petrie Bowmen, Brisbane, Qld.
Tom’s current focus is to secure a quota spot and compete for Australia at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Already a national medallist in wheelchair basketball, his ambition to represent Australia in a second sport reflects his unyielding determination and love for the game.
Despite these lofty goals, Tom’s philosophy is grounded and practical. “It’s not about being perfect or a textbook person,” he shared with us. “It’s about turning up each day and trying to improve little by little. That consistent improvement will get you closer to perfection than you’ll ever realise at that moment in time.”
Those wise words may serve as a beacon for upcoming athletes who may often feel the pressure of achieving immediate perfection.
Adding another string to his bow (pun intended!), Tom is an accomplished musician, adept at the recorder, proving that his skills are not just confined to the sporting arena.
Tom’s steady rise in the world of archery has already seen him climb to the second spot in the country for the Open Mens Para Recurve division. Additionally, he is the top-ranked archer in Queensland in the same division.
His most recent accomplishments include a bronze medal at the 2022 Australian Para & VI National Championships and a silver medal at the Pan Pacific Masters Games 2022 in the Open Men’s division. A notable victory was also clinched at the Queensland Target Champs 2022, where Tom secured the gold medal in the Open Mens Para Recurve division.
As he prepares for the Dubai event in February 2024 to vie for those crucial quota spots, Tom’s journey is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion. Archery Australia proudly supports him and looks forward to cheering him on as he continues to aim for excellence.
