YEAR 10 Padua College student Tom McGough is set to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year.
Following an impressive start to 2026, Tom will compete as part of the 24 member Australian Para Athletics team at the games. He will compete in the Men’s 100m T38 event.
Tom’s journey into athletics only begun a few years ago thanks to school sport cross country competitions. His mum, Angela, said running quickly became more than just a hobby.
“He started off doing school sports,” said Angela.
“And then did two national championships through school cross country as a multi class athlete and then moved into athletics when he joined the Mornington Athletics Club.”
She said running completely changed Tom’s life.
“Tom hated school, he hated everything,” said Angela.
“It was hard, and then he discovered his happy place, which is running. And he just loves it; he loves every part of it.”
Tom, who has ataxia, said he first realised his love for the sport about three years ago after joining track sessions.
“I started beating all the kids in my track squad,” said Tom.
“I went to nationals that year and won, and then about a year ago, I started taking it really competitively.”
He is now registered with the International Paralympic Committee and World Para Athletics, allowing him to compete internationally.
Earlier this year Tom competed in the 2026 Perth Track Classic. He where he ran 11:44, putting him in third place in the Commonwealth and second in Australia.
The family received confirmation in early May that Tom had been selected for the Commonwealth Games.
“I’m super proud,” said Tom.
“I’ve trained so hard for this and it’s finally come.”
Tom said it is difficult balancing Year 10, everyday life, and training, but that it is all worth it to be able to compete in the Commonwealth Games. He trains in Albert Park three times a week at the Victorian Institute of Sport, as well as a couple of days a week at his home track in Mornington.
Tom said he is grateful for all the support he has received, including from Padua College, who posted his achievement across their social media pages.
“We are incredibly proud of Tom’s dedication, resilience and perseverance, and wish him every success as he prepares to compete on the Commonwealth stage,” said Padua College.
Tom will spend the next couple of months preparing for the competition in Glasgow, but he already has his sights set on the Paralympics and world championships next year.
First published in the Mornington News – 26 May 2026
