Wallaby star Richard Tombs makes history in first disabled event at Balmoral Swim

Richard Tombs’ life changed in a split second when a freak soccer accident left him with a spinal cord injury.

Hundreds braved the gloomy weekend weather to compete in the Balmoral Swim now featuring a more inclusive line-up of events.

Former Wallaby and Waratah’s star Richard Tombs was pushed down to the shoreline to take part in the events first ever race for participants with disabilities.

The footy legend’s life changed in a split second in 2018 when a freak soccer accident left him with a spinal cord injury.

Hundreds turned out for the 32nd Balmoral Swim. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

Former Wallaby and Waratahs Rugby Union star Richard Tombs taking part in The Balmoral Swim race for participants with disabilities. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

School students took part in the relay event. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

“I wade into a new challenge of Ocean Swimming at Balmoral,” Mr Tombs wrote to his Facebook earlier this week.

“I have no core strength so tide and currents toss me around like it does a jellyfish.

“Life‘s full of challenges, this is just another to overcome.”

Richard Tombs is now the general manager at Hearts of Rugby Union . Picture: Facebook

Richard Tombs earned five caps while playing with the national rugby league side. Picture: Facebook

A new wheelchair access ramp was installed just in time for the event with the help of Mosman Council.

Photographs taken on the harbourside beach show the mist of showers that fell down on the competitors who appear unfazed by the unfavourable weather.

The gloomy weather couldn’t dampen the mood of participants. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

Danielle , Matt, Jacob, 6, and Joshua, 2, Weston attended in support of the Children’s Cancer Institute. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

Students pictured participating in the Yr 11 & 12 school relay at the Balmoral Swim. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

Rain fell for most of the morning. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

The event has raised over $1.8m over the last 32 years. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

The event has raised over $1.8m for the Children’s Cancer Institute in the last 32 years.

About 500 school students were expected to take part in the school relay race but the grey weather appeared to keep some of them away.

Originally published as Wallaby star Richard Tombs makes history in first disabled event at Balmoral Swim