Latest news with #AthletesAustralia
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Who was Tommy Oswald? Here's what you need to know about the Australian athlete who died suddenly at 33
Tommy Oswald. Image via: Instagram/ The Australian athletics community is mourning the shocking and sudden death of Tommy Oswald, a 33-year-old runner, father, and community leader who left a lasting impact both on and off the track. Known to many as 'Australia's nicest bloke,' Oswald passed away unexpectedly over the weekend, leaving behind his wife Alana, their young daughter Ella, and a nation grieving the loss of a man who inspired thousands. Who was Australian athlete Tommy Oswald? Tommy Oswald was an Australian runner. His sudden passing over the weekend left his wife Alana, young daughter Ella, and an entire nation in mourning for a man who inspired so many. Beyond his professional career in sports, Tommy Oswald was a symbol of compassion. In 2015, he drew nationwide attention when, at just 23, he welcomed his homeless and pregnant 17-year-old cousin Kiarna into his home. 'She didn't ask me if she could stay with me, but I had that day off work so I drove down to the Gold Coast straight away and picked her up,' he said in an earlier interview with His selfless act went viral, turning him into a household name for all the right reasons. That deep empathy extended into everything Oswald did. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A genetic disorder that is damaging his organs. Help my son Donate For Health Donate Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola As a runner and sports enthusiast, he built one of the country's largest athletics communities—Athletes Australia, a Facebook group with more than 35,000 members. The group became a safe space for athletes to connect, share experiences, and uplift one another. When news of Oswald's passing broke through a heartfelt message by his friend Tim Ohthy, the online community erupted in grief. 'Tommy was not only passionate about athletics, but just a damn good human being… He was equally quick when it came to supporting a mate, looking after family or just helping a complete stranger out,' Tim wrote. The loss sparked a wave of emotional tributes from Olympians and sports legends. Glynis Nunn, a former Olympic gold medallist, posted, 'Tommy spoke to everyone on the ground and just loved his family and friends. Never too busy for anyone. Opened his heart to all. A tragic loss to the community far and wide. Prayers to his family.' Former Olympic sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, commentator David Culbert, and other athletics icons echoed similar sentiments, describing Oswald as a man whose warmth and presence transcended sport. Tommy Oswald was called ' Australia's nicest bloke ' Oswald's story was about how he made people feel. Whether it was helping a friend move, picking someone up from the pub, or offering a listening ear on a beach walk, Tommy was known for being dependable, grounded, and real. He was called 'Australia's nicest bloke.' 'Many of my network and friends have been privileged to experience his friendship,' said his longtime friend Jason Wright, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Oswald's wife and daughter. 'I am privileged to have been Tommy's mate for 10 years.' Though the cause of his death remains under investigation, Oswald's memory is already being carried forward in the stories of those he helped, the laughter he shared, and the lives he quietly changed. As his family shared in a brief but emotional statement, 'The world is a lesser place today after the death of Tommy Oswald. Tommy, 33, was a beautiful young father and loving husband, who had a huge impact on the lives of all who knew him.' FAQs Who was Tommy Oswald? Tommy Oswald was an Australian runner, husband, and father known for his community work and founding the Athletes Australia Facebook group. How did Tommy Oswald die? He passed away suddenly at the age of 33; police are still investigating the cause of death. What is Athletes Australia? It's a Facebook community created by Tommy Oswald with over 35,000 members, designed to unite people through their shared love of athletics. Also Read: Astronomer CEO and HR romance gets overwhelming response from sports world Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Tragedy as talented athlete Tommy Oswald dies aged just 33 after becoming known as 'Australia's nicest bloke' thanks to a stunning act of generosity
The Aussie athletics community has been rocked by the tragic death of much-loved young father and talented runner Tommy Oswald, who was once dubbed 'Australia's nicest bloke'. Oswald, 33, captured the hearts of the nation in 2015 by taking in his homeless, pregnant teenage cousin when she had nowhere else to turn. The athlete also founded the very popular Facebook page Athletes Australia, a community with more than 35,000 members. On Saturday, a post to the page shared the tragic news of Oswald's death. 'This is by far the hardest post I have ever had to write in this group and just a warning that this may be very tough to read,' Tim Ohthy wrote. 'I am devastated to let everyone know that yesterday the founder of this amazing group Tommy Oswald passed away suddenly. 'Tommy was not only passionate about athletics, but just a damn good human being. Whilst always being up for a laugh and quick to take the piss out of anything and everything, he was equally quick when it came to supporting a mate, looking after family or just helping a complete stranger out. 'He had an incredibly kind heart, which he shared with MANY people both inside this group and outside. 'My thoughts are with his wife Alana and his little girl Ella during this tough time. As well as the rest of his family, close friends, work colleagues and basically anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Tommy.' Oswald's family also released a statement. 'The world is a lesser place today after the death of Tommy Oswald. Tommy, 33, was a beautiful young father and loving husband, who had a huge impact on the lives of all who knew him,' they said. 'Police are investigating the cause of his death, and his wife Alana and extended family have asked for privacy during this terrible time. 'They will not be making any further comment.' Oswald's cousin Kiarna, whom he took in 10 years ago, posted to Facebook: 'I'm so broken that you're gone it's breaking my heart. Tommy you will always be my favourite cousin, I love you forever.' Shattered Aussie runners have posted tributes to Oswald online A swathe of shattered Australian athletes have also posted tributes online, including Jane Fleming, Sally Pearson and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor. Olympian Glynis Nunn posted: 'Tommy spoke to everyone on the ground and just loved his family and friends. Never too busy for anyone. Opened his heart to all. A tragic loss to the community far and wide. Prayers to his family.' One of Oswald's friends, Jason Wright, has set up a GoFundMe page to support his devastated family. 'I am privileged to have been Tommy's mate for 10 years,' he posted. 'He was the guy that helps you move, jumps on a ladder and helps you paint a gutter, picks you up from the pub drunk or goes for a long beach walk and listens to your problems. 'Many of my network and friends have been privileged to experience his friendship and/or had the opportunity to work with him and I am now asking you to help his family with a gesture of goodwill.'
Perth Now
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sporting world rocked by death of much-loved identity
The Australian athletics community are mourning the death of much-loved identity Tommy Oswald. The 33-year-old's sudden death over the weekend has sparked an outpouring of support with Olympic and Commonwealth Games champions among those to pay tribute. Oswald (née Connolly) was once dubbed Australia's nicest man for taking in his homeless, pregnant teenage cousin in 2015. He was also a talented runner, but came to prominence in the athletics community for founding and running the hugely popular Facebook page Athletes Australia. The community, which is designed to help people support each other through their love of athletics, has over 35,000 members. A post to the group on Saturday shared the news of Oswald's tragic death. 'This is by far the hardest post I have ever had to write in this group and just a warning that this may be very tough to read,' Tim wrote. 'I am devastated to let everyone know that yesterday the founder of this amazing group Tommy Oswald passed away suddenly. 'Tommy was not only passionate about athletics, but just a damn good human being. Whilst always being up for a laugh and quick to take the piss out of anything and everything, he was equally quick when it came to supporting a mate, looking after family or just helping a complete stranger out. He had an incredibly kind heart, which he shared with MANY people both inside this group and outside. 'My thoughts are with his wife Alana and his little girl Ella during this tough time. As well as the rest of his family, close friends, work colleagues and basically anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Tommy.' Oswald was a loving husband to Alana and doting father to Ella. The family released a statement over the weekend. 'The world is a lesser place today after the death of Tommy Oswald. Tommy, 33, was a beautiful young father and loving husband, who had a huge impact on the lives of all who knew him,' they said. 'Police are investigating the cause of his death, and his wife Alana and extended family have asked for privacy during this terrible time. 'They will not be making any further comment.' Oswald went viral in 2015 for his kind gesture in taking in his 17-year-old cousin Kiarna, who was pregnant and homeless. 'I'm so broken that you're gone it's breaking my heart. Tommy you will always be my favourite cousin, I love you forever,' she wrote on Facebook. A host of champion Australian athletes also paid tribute. Leading commentator and former Olympic silver medallist David Culbert wrote: 'Shattering. Thanks for all you did for field & track.' Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn wrote: 'Tommy spoke to everyone on the ground and just loved his family and friends. Never too busy for anyone. Opened his heart to all. A tragic loss to the community far and wide. Prayers to his family.' Sally Person's former coach Sharon Hannan wrote: 'Goodness me what a shock to hear that Tommy has passed. Sincere condolences to his immediate and extended family and to all who knew him.'
7NEWS
21-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Sporting world rocked by death of much-loved identity Tommy Oswald
The Australian athletics community are mourning the death of much-loved identity Tommy Oswald. The 33-year-old's sudden death over the weekend has sparked an outpouring of support with Olympic and Commonwealth Games champions among those to pay tribute. Oswald (née Connolly) was once dubbed Australia's nicest man for taking in his homeless, pregnant teenage cousin in 2015. He was also a talented runner, but came to prominence in the athletics community for founding and running the hugely popular Facebook page Athletes Australia. The community, which is designed to help people support each other through their love of athletics, has over 35,000 members. A post to the group on Saturday shared the news of Oswald's tragic death. 'This is by far the hardest post I have ever had to write in this group and just a warning that this may be very tough to read,' Tim wrote. 'I am devastated to let everyone know that yesterday the founder of this amazing group Tommy Oswald passed away suddenly. 'Tommy was not only passionate about athletics, but just a damn good human being. Whilst always being up for a laugh and quick to take the piss out of anything and everything, he was equally quick when it came to supporting a mate, looking after family or just helping a complete stranger out. He had an incredibly kind heart, which he shared with MANY people both inside this group and outside. 'My thoughts are with his wife Alana and his little girl Ella during this tough time. As well as the rest of his family, close friends, work colleagues and basically anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Tommy.' Oswald was a loving husband to Alana and doting father to Ella. The family released a statement over the weekend. 'The world is a lesser place today after the death of Tommy Oswald. Tommy, 33, was a beautiful young father and loving husband, who had a huge impact on the lives of all who knew him,' they said. 'Police are investigating the cause of his death, and his wife Alana and extended family have asked for privacy during this terrible time. 'They will not be making any further comment.' Oswald went viral in 2015 for his kind gesture in taking in his 17-year-old cousin Kiarna, who was pregnant and homeless. 'I'm so broken that you're gone it's breaking my heart. Tommy you will always be my favourite cousin, I love you forever,' she wrote on Facebook. A host of champion Australian athletes also paid tribute. Leading commentator and former Olympic silver medallist David Culbert wrote: 'Shattering. Thanks for all you did for field & track.' Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn wrote: 'Tommy spoke to everyone on the ground and just loved his family and friends. Never too busy for anyone. Opened his heart to all. A tragic loss to the community far and wide. Prayers to his family.' Sally Person's former coach Sharon Hannan wrote: 'Goodness me what a shock to hear that Tommy has passed. Sincere condolences to his immediate and extended family and to all who knew him.'
News.com.au
19-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Australia's nicest bloke' Tommy Connolly dies suddenly aged 33
A young father once dubbed Australia's nicest bloke has died suddenly, leaving his family and the online community he started heartbroken. Tommy Connolly captured the nation's hearts as a 23-year-old for his act of kindness by taking in his homeless, pregnant teen cousin in 2015. Mr Connolly was also known as a talented runner and founder of Athletes Australia, a Facebook group that has grown to 35,000 members. On Saturday a friend broke the news of the 33-year-old's death, who is survived by his wife Alana and their young daughter. 'I am devastated to let everyone know that yesterday the founder of this amazing group Tommy Connolly passed away suddenly,' Tim Ohthy wrote. 'Tommy was not only passionate about athletics, but just a damn good human being. 'Whilst always being up for a laugh and quick to take the p*ss out of anything and everything, he was equally quick when it came to supporting a mate, looking after family or just helping a complete stranger out.' Mr Connolly's cause of death has not been revealed. The post prompted an outpouring of condolences, with group members remembering Mr Connolly's passion for athletics and the way he 'could light up anyone's day with his smile and energy'. They also praised him for creating the Athletes Australia group, and for his advocacy for the sport throughout his life. Another friend, Jason Wright, wrote on a GoFundMe page started to support Mr Connolly's family that his death came as a 'complete shock'. 'I am privileged to have been Tommy's mate for 10 years,' he wrote. 'He was the guy that helps you move, jumps on a ladder and helps you paint a gutter, picks you up from the pub drunk or goes for a long beach walk and listens to your problems. 'Many of my network and friends have been privileged to experience his friendship and/or had the opportunity to work with him and I am now asking you to help his family with a gesture of goodwill.' A decade ago, interviewed Mr Connolly after a social media post detailing how he had taken in his teenage cousin went viral. Mr Connolly said he had not seen the 17-year-old for 10 years but offered her a place to stay as she faced losing her baby to authorities after a 'lifetime of instability'. 'I was really excited to hear from her because I've always had a soft spot for her,' he told at the time. 'She was my favourite little cousin, she was the sweetest girl and we got along so well. 'She didn't ask me if she could stay with me but I had that day off work so I drove down to the Gold Coast straight away and picked her up. I took her to lunch and she told me her story. 'It was so full on that it made me really upset. I was frustrated that I didn't know earlier. 'It made me want to do whatever it took to help her. It made any problems I ever had seem irrelevant, because the life she has had is so intense. My focus just immediately turned to her.'
