Thomas Hodges

Biography

Thomas Hodges' journey to the Paris Olympics is one of almost accidental opportunities and relentless perseverance. Hailing from Melbourne, Thomas was a versatile athlete in his early years, excelling in indoor volleyball, athletics, swimming, cross country running, and cycling. His indoor volleyball talents were evident as he helped the University of Melbourne clinch national championships three consecutive years from 2010 to 2012.

Thomas debuted for the Australian national team in 2014 with a match against China and continued to represent his country in over 75 games. His volleyball journey included playing in the U.S. college system, primarily with UC Irvine, and professional stints in Italy and Germany. Despite his success indoors, the allure of beach volleyball pro tours drew him in, leading to several successful partnerships.

A severe shoulder injury requiring surgery became a turning point. During rehabilitation, he bonded with Zachery Schubert, and the duo soon became a formidable pair on the beach volleyball circuit. Starting in 2022, Thomas and Zachery secured podium finishes across various tournaments, breaking into the world top 10 by winning the Jurmala Challenge in Latvia and reaching the round of 16 at the 2023 world championships in Mexico. The pinnacle of their achievements came with their victory at the 2023 Asian Beach Volleyball Championship in China.

As the Paris Olympics approach, Thomas and Zachery continue to excel, solidifying their world ranking and aiming for Olympic glory.