Queensland Academy of Sport’s Para Unit produces rising talent ahead of Road Nationals

• Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Para Unit athlete Tom Walvin is rebuilding his career as a Para hand cyclist with a clear path towards LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
• Powered by Queensland company Bowerbird Industries, the QAS is trialling adaptive cycling technology providing accurate testing to track athlete development.
• The Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting the development of Queensland's next generation of Paralympic talent through the QAS Para Unit.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and an Olympic and Paralympic Games for all of Queensland.

After an accident left him paralysed from the waist down, Tom is powering back onto the national stage, utilising the Bowerbird, a Queensland-developed, world-class, fully adjustable testing bike to mimic his road bike set-up and help fine-tune his training.

Through the Crisafulli Government’s Private Sector Pathways Program, in partnership with the QAS, Advanced Queensland, and Sport and Recreation, the QAS is trialling adaptive cycling technology from Bowerbird extensively within the Para Unit, providing controlled, accurate testing to track athlete development and serving as a strong talent identification tool for aspiring hand cyclists.  

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and an Olympic and Paralympic Games for all of Queensland.

Tom Walvin said that the QAS has ignited his career through innovation and clearer pathways.

“The inclusion of the Bowerbird in my training for Road Nationals has been super beneficial for me as a hand cyclist. Being able to test and produce data in the QAS lab, especially physiological testing like VO2 max and lactate,” Mr Walvin said.

“Sport has been a pivotal aspect of my life. After my injury – spending a week fighting for my life in a coma, another seven months in hospital and being left paralysed, I was determined this was not the end of my story.

“The QAS does an amazing job with supporting Para-sport. I know I can achieve my goals with the support of the QAS as they have given me a platform and foundation to be the best athlete that I can be. My goal is to win gold in Brisbane in front of friends and family.”

Minister for Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Para Unit was already delivering strong outcomes, with athletes like Tom demonstrating the potential for Queensland to lead the nation in Para-sport development.

“Tom’s journey reflects exactly what the Para Unit was established to achieve, identifying talent early, providing specialist coaching and accelerating the development of Queensland’s Para athletes,” Minister Mander said.

“Queensland is the home of Australian sport, and our status as a world leader in para sport is a contributor to that.

“Tom’s progress showcases the transformative power of the Para Unit, and as we build towards LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032, we want to continue to create more opportunities for para-athletes like Tom to become world champions.”

Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell, said the partnership between the Private Sector Pathways Program and QAS was about giving Queenslanders every chance to shine on the world stage.

“We’re backing innovation because it creates real opportunities for Queenslanders like Tom – and we’re determined to lead, not follow,” Minister Powell said.

“Our Private Sector Pathways Program is unlocking doors for Para athletes, connecting QAS with cutting-edge technology so Queensland is competitive and ready for 2032”

“And it’s Queensland businesses like Bowerbird that make this possible – homegrown innovators driving solutions that put our athletes ahead of the pack.”

Queensland Academy of Sport CEO, Troy Ayres said Tom’s story was incredibly inspiring, progressing rapidly with the support of QAS supported coaches and support staff, as he tracks toward categorised developing athlete status.

“Building a lasting legacy for Para-sport in Australia, 40 athletes have now been inducted into the Para Unit, as we continue to ensure more athletes with a disability can chase their dreams to compete in LA 2028 and here at home in 2032,” Ayres said.

“Our vision is to build a complete pathway in every sport, from identifying emerging talent to supporting podium contenders and to create a team that adapts to each athlete’s unique journey. To be ready for 2032, we must start now, not just assembling numbers, but preparing athletes to perform at their best and aim for the podium.” 

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Lachlan Bird, 0438 639 836