Latest news with #TommyOswald
Time of India
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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.'
