Thomas McHugh

In ten years’ time, Thomas McHugh wants to captain the Australian Rollers wheelchair basketball team, finished his scholarship in Alabama and be playing in an overseas league.  

It might seem overly ambitious, but anyone who knows Thomas, knows he won’t stop working until he’s achieved his goals – no matter how big. 

Thomas originally wanted to pursue AFL, but due to his bone disorder, he was unable to run the required amounts to train. That roadblock was turned into opportunity by the West Aussie who decided to give wheelchair basketball a go.  

Thomas initially thought because he wasn’t a wheelchair user he couldn’t play but found himself at home with the team as soon as he shot his first hoop. He linked up with WA Wheelchair Sports, and as they say the rest is history.  

The Lord of the Rings fan has more than 15 pairs of shoes he rotates when playing, admitting he has a small superstition when it comes to the court. He wears the same pair of shoes if he wins in the next game, but if his team loses, he refuses to lace up that pair again.