Imagine defying expectations and chasing dreams that seem impossibly large. That's exactly what Kiwi paralympic swimmer Joshua Willmer is doing, and it's a story that's sure to inspire. He's not just aiming for gold; he's aiming for world records. But can he really pull it off?
Joshua Willmer, a rising star in New Zealand's paralympic scene, isn't letting anything hold him back. At just 20 years old, this determined athlete is laser-focused on achieving goals that many might consider out of reach. He's got his sights set on defending his gold medal at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, making a splash at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, and ultimately, shattering the 100m breaststroke world record. And somehow, amidst all the training, he still finds time to indulge in his love for fishing.
Willmer, who was born with a left-arm amputation below the elbow, discovered his passion for swimming early in life. Growing up near the water in Auckland's Kaukau Bay, he joined a competitive swimming club at the young age of eight. But here's where it gets controversial... while he enjoyed swimming, it wasn't until after the Paris Paralympics that a true fire ignited within him.
"Ever since I started international swimming," Willmer explains, "honestly, I went into it like 'it's just racing and nothing much would come of it'." But something shifted after Paris. "There was a big mindset change where I was like, 'well actually, I do want to be a really great swimmer, and I want to do big things'." This wasn't just a fleeting thought; it was a complete transformation in his approach to the sport.
Since that pivotal moment, Willmer, who competes in the SB8 classification for the 100m breaststroke (SB8 indicating a specific category based on the swimmer's disability), has made some significant changes. He's moved out of his family home, switched swimming clubs, and significantly ramped up the intensity of his training regimen. "I went into [Paris Paralympics] expecting nothing, but I came out wanting more... and honestly, I haven't looked back."
Under the guidance of his new coach, Michael Weston, Willmer is now preparing to defend his Commonwealth gold medal, which he won at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games when he was just 17. This victory was a major accomplishment, proving his potential on the international stage.
But achieving greatness requires sacrifice. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about the physical training. Willmer has had to make significant lifestyle adjustments to prioritize his swimming career. "Like going from going out partying all the time to now swimming is, like, my main focus," he admits. "And there is so much I'm still learning, like how recovery is just so important, and how you need to have the right nutrition, and just a whole lot of new things to learn." He's discovering that becoming a top athlete involves a holistic approach that encompasses not only training but also lifestyle choices.
The pressure to perform at such a high level can be immense. Willmer acknowledges the mental challenges that come with the territory. "I kind of get in the space where I really doubt myself... you're always going to go into something like [the Paralympics] with a little bit of doubt and a little bit of like, 'can I do it? Like, what will happen?'." But he's learning to manage these doubts by trusting in his training and preparation. "But it's just trying to realise, I've put in the work, we kind of know what times I can go... and just trusting the process. You've just got to trust the process." When the pressure becomes overwhelming, he turns to his coach for support. "If I'm really struggling with pressure, I always go to my new coach, Michael, and we always have a little chat about it." This highlights the importance of having a strong support system in place.
So, how does Willmer balance the demands of swimming with the rest of his life? His answer is simple: fishing. "I really believe in having a really good life outside of swimming," he explains. "People live and breathe swimming, and I'd love to say I do the same, but honestly, I never watch it on TV." He emphasizes the importance of having hobbies and interests that provide a mental break from the intensity of training. "If I've had a hard week and I get an afternoon off or something, I love going fishing with my mates or go play a round of golf - like anything but talk about swimming."
Willmer's in-season training schedule is rigorous, consisting of three gym sessions, nine swimming sessions, and three cycling sessions per week. This demanding schedule requires immense dedication and discipline.
Paralympic head coach Simon Mayne highlights Willmer's mental fortitude as one of his greatest strengths. "I think his strength is he doesn't do what other people think he can do," Mayne says. "So if someone says, 'oh no, you'll never make a final', you know, there's quite a lot of negative people out there... he doesn't listen to that. He says, 'no, I'm going to give this a go'." Mayne emphasizes that Willmer's unwavering belief in himself allows him to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals. "He knows why he's training. He's training because when he goes to a competition, he wants to smash it. He wants to be able to walk the walk."
Sophie May, Willmer's aunt and close friend, echoes this sentiment. "He'd just smash all of it, even with having one-and-a-half arms, he's never let it get in the way of things he does in his life," she says. She also acknowledges the challenges he faced growing up. "It was hard with other kids, they're very vocal, making it pretty tough, you know, when you look different to everyone else. And I feel like he always rised above it all and just kept kind of pushing and always focused on his sport," May says. "I've found that if he's not in the pool, he's in the ocean, so he's just always by water."
Looking ahead to potentially breaking the 100m breaststroke world record, Willmer offers advice to aspiring young athletes: "Take the risk." He encourages them to pursue their dreams without hesitation. "The amount of fun that you get out of it as well as potentially making a team or anything, like you might as well do it when you're young," he says. "You don't want to go sit back at 30 and be like, I really wish I did that. If you really think that you can do it, I think just go for it." He even suggests cranking up some tunes – Pearl Jam's "Daughter" is his go-to – to get motivated and put in the hard work.
The current breaststroke world record for the SB8 classification stands at 1:07.01, while Willmer's personal best is 1:11.08. He has a gap to close, but with his dedication and unwavering spirit, anything is possible.
So, what do you think? Can Joshua Willmer achieve his ambitious goals? Do you believe his mental strength and dedication will be enough to propel him to the top? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with his philosophy of balancing intense training with other hobbies, or do you think a single-minded focus is necessary for world-class success? What are your thoughts on his chances of breaking the world record? Is it within reach, or a long shot? Let's discuss!
