E62 | Tom Walsh

Episode summary | Tom Walsh

Tom Walsh is one of New Zealand’s most successful field athletes of all time.

The shot putter has won consecutive bronze medals at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, gold and silver in consecutive Commonwealth Games and the World Championships in 2017 as well as the indoor equivalent twice. He’s also been named Halberg Sportsman of the Year twice, and in 2018 won the Supreme Award.

Tom’s story is captivating. From growing up with shot put as his third sport behind cricket and rugby, to the rivalry with Jacko Gill, the humiliating forfeits with his coach in training, life on the international shot put circuit, all the way to his triumphs on the biggest stage.

It’s rare that you get an athlete at the very top of his sport, who is so open, genuine, entertaining and fun you will love this episode!

Show notes | Tom Walsh

1.38 Time away from shot put, Walshot, and an “A List” athlete

4.34 Putting drug testers to good use after an appearance on a Japanese game show

7.45 An older fan base in Ashburton

9.58 “Nice to meet you Joe Moody”

12.06 The enigma of Jacko Gill

21.01 The no-throws at Tokyo 2020

29.53 The emotion after the medal ceremony and pressure before Tokyo

41.18 An Emma Twigg interlude

43.29 Ryan Crouser and stories from the big boys of the shot put circuit

53.23 Teenage Tom Walsh: cricket, rugby (and athletics)

1.03.41 Is going full time with shot put financially sustainable?

1.07.00 The athlete / coach relationship with Dale Stevenson

1.09.26 Reflecting on the Commonwealth Games

1.14.47 Winning the world championships with a 7cm tear in the groin

1.21.46 The Halberg Awards and meeting the Black Caps

1.29.12 How good is Tom at supporting other athletes?

1.31.56 21 in 20 in Christchurch in the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics

1.33.05 Looking ahead to 2022 and last words from Steven, Seamus and Tom