Tokyo Paralympics: Aussie swimmer Timothy Disken’s emotional relay silver medal win

Aussie Timothy Disken has swum an emotional race in Tokyo to take home silver just days after the death of his mother, Jenny.

Heartbroken Aussie swimmer Timothy Disken won an emotional silver medal at the Paralympics on Friday just three days after his mother passed away back home.

With his Dolphins teammates rallying around him, the 24-year-old from Melbourne managed to compose himself to swim the breaststroke leg in the men’s medley relay.

Joining forces with Tim Hodge, Will Martin and Ben Popham, the Aussies won the silver with Disken saying it meant the world to him after the shock of the sudden death of his mother Jenny.

Timothy Disken took home silver days after the death of his mother, Jenny. Picture: Getty Images

“I just tried to replicate what I did earlier in the week,” he told Channel 7.

“I had a really rough 72 hours. I lost my Mum Tuesday night and I trying to get myself up to be able to race tonight was hard in itself.

“The support from the team has been phenomenal, even the Italians reached out to me last night and that was amazing.

“I couldn’t be in a better spot for the heartbreak I’ve had in the past 72 hours.

“To pull that out and get a silver medal with three of my best mates is bloody amazing.”

The Australian Paralympic family issued a statement expressing its condolences to Disken, his family and friends, and offering any support services he may need before he returns home and goes into quarantine.

“This is an extremely difficult time for Tim and being away from home makes it even harder for him,” Australian Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.

“But this Team is incredibly tight-knit and supportive and Tim knows that all our wellbeing resources are available to him.”

Australian Swimming Team Head Coach Brendan Burkett said: “It’s hard to put into words what Tim is going through at the moment and we’re all deeply saddened by his mum’s passing.

“To lose your mum is devastating and every single member of our team is supporting him through this emotional time.

“While Tim is away from home this team is his family, we’re so close and will always be there for each other.”

Before the race, Disken posted a deeply emotional message on his Instagram account.

“Never imagined I’d have to write this …

“Didn’t think 2021 could get any worse.

Silver medallists Timothy Hodge, Timothy Disken, William Martin and Ben Popham. Picture: Getty Images

“I sit here lost, confused, distraught, in shock and just empty. Sometimes, life just isn’t fair

“I’ve lost my number one supporter, my rock and my best friend. The pain is unimaginable, and losing you is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure.

“Without your undying love, grit, determination, stubbornness (sometimes to your own detriment) and unwavering support I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Heck, I wouldn’t have even survived day 1.

“You had this innate ability to impact everyone who crossed paths with you and your true impact on this world and those around you cannot be understated.

“Even though you are gone in a physical sense, I can still feel, hear and see your presence in everything that I do. I will carry all that you’ve taught me, throughout the rest of my years, for both of us

“Truly lost, scared, and frightened without you. I’m forever grateful to have someone as special as you, as my mother.

“To my family back home, I’m so sorry I can’t be there to grieve with you and comfort you, you are all in my thoughts.

“Mum, I hope to go out there on Friday and make you proud, whatever the result”

Originally published as Tokyo Paralympics: Aussie swimmer Timothy Disken’s emotional relay silver medal win