Swim tribe, it’s time to get voting!
A new documentary featuring Dolphin and Paralympian Timothy Hodge has been entered in to the ‘Focus on Ability Film Festival’ – and it needs your support.
The short doco titled ‘In My Lane’ has been created by Andrew Scarano and Mat Harvey and details Hodge’s inspiring swimming journey and his future aspirations, including his desire to win a gold medal at a Paralympic Games.
Since having his foot amputated when he was four, the Auburn swimmer has gone from strength to strength, overcoming challenges and learning as much as he can in and out of the pool.
“I went from being four and a half years old in a wheelchair to competing at state competitions for school at the age of nine, to making my first Australian team at 15. Based on that you can definitely turn things around in four or five years,” Hodge said.
The 18-year-old will compete at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in London in September, after qualifying for another Dolphins team in April. His desire to compete is what motivates him every day.
“What gets me out of bed in the morning is chasing my dreams and being the best competitor I can be and hopefully winning a gold medal at a Paralympic Games,” Hodge said.
Clinton Camilleri is the Head Coach of Auburn Swimming Club and has been impressed with Hodge’s work ethic and achievements, stating it’s all about focussing on what you can do – not what you can’t.
“I think disability is one we can get really get hooked up on, so if we really spend a lot of time thinking or focussing on it, I guess it over emphasises what the disability is. Whereas, if we just worry about what we can do well and really work hard on being the best at that, the disabilities really fade into the background for me.”
Make sure you watch the documentary and vote now – voting closes on 3 July.
