Angus Hincksman takes the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games
Westminster Old Scholar, Angus Hincksman ('23), is realising his Paralympic dreams, making his official Paralympic debut at this year's 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Upon commencing para-athletics at just ten years of age, Angus had dreamt of representing Australia in the Paralympics. Now, following his recent selection for the Australian Paralympic team in April, Angus is well on his way to turning his dreams into reality.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy following a brain injury at birth, Angus' early life was marked with uncertainty; his family unsure if he would ever be able to walk. Now, Angus is a beacon of inspiration and perseverance, gearing up for Gold in the Men's T38 1500m, and not letting his disability define him.
As an established name within the para-athletics community, Angus has been dubbed 'one to watch' having amassed a number of significant achievements to date. In 2022, Angus set an impressive 1500m time record, being the youngest para-athlete to break 4-minutes at just 17 years of age — a common obstacle faced by athletes in the T38 category. Angus was since catapulted to represent Australia at the Paris 2023 Athletics World Championships, where he brought home a bronze medal in the Men's T38 1500m.
Edging closer and closer to his golden vision, Angus is set to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, taking place from Friday 30 August to Sunday 8 September.
Hear more from Angus below:
What sparked your passion for Track & Field? Is there a specific moment in time you remember falling in love with the sport and wanting to pursue it professionally?
I started running as a hobby, just through school sport. But as I got older, I realised there were avenues available to me to take and improve. I don't remember a specific time, it's just something I grew to enjoy more and more as I gradually improved.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a Para Athlete - what does a typical day in your life look like from your schedule, training, travel, competitions, and everything in-between?
There is nothing too special about my day-to-day life, but my training and competition schedule can definitely get pretty hectic at times. I’m currently training on average 6 days per week, and sometimes twice a day. My training all through the Summer season has required me to travel extensively, including training blocks at altitude in Perisher. I'm now on a bigger training block leading into the Paralympics.
What is your biggest career highlight so far?
Breaking the 4-minute barrier for the 1500m was really a really special moment for me. There are only a handful of athletes in my classification that have run sub four, and to be the youngest to ever do it on an already exclusive list was very special.
You were recently selected to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. How did it feel to hear your name announced?
It was most definitely a special moment, and it was a dream come true in some respects. But it’s only a small step in a much bigger journey. I much prefer to focus on getting to the start line, because in a weird way, I don’t want my hard work to be for nothing.
As an Old Scholar of Westminster School, do you feel the School values and ethos have helped to shaped your attitude and approach to sport and life in general?
Yes, definitely. Being surrounded by fellow students and teachers that appreciate the values of resilience, grit, and tenacity causes them to grow in you, and allows you to put them into practice in your day-to-day life
Despite growing up with Cerebral Palsy, you have not let this define you or limit your success. If you could give any advice to your younger self, or younger generations with similar aspirations, what would it be?
Never assume you can’t do something — be willing to try everything and anything!