Joshua Willmer who began his swimming career under Shaun Foley at Papakura Swimming Club had a breakout year in 2022 which began at his first major International meet, the Indianapolis Para World Series. This is where he ultimately broke multiple National Age and Open records, post event Willmer made the move to a senior club Pukekohe to train under Paralympic coach Sheldon Kemp.

 

Willmer then travelled to Madeira, Portugal where he again broke national records in both individual events and relays at the World Championships which placed him 6th in the SB8 100m Breaststroke and qualified him for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

 

Aged just 17 Willmer, was the youngest member of the swimming team and produced a strong race finish to beat Australia's Tim Hodge by 0.07s and win a surprise gold in the 100m breaststroke SB8.

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Josh was nominated and a finalist for the Sky Sport Emerging Talent Award at the Halbergs in 2022

 

Willmer holds multiple age group and open National Records predominantly in his signature breaststroke events.