Joshua Willmer started his swimming journey from a young age in Kawakawa Bay, with his family recognising the importance of swimming as a life skill that would enable him to stay safe around the water and at the beach.

Willmer joined Papakura Swimming Club in 2015 and trained under coach Shaun Foley for seven years, developing into a strong breaststroker. After Foley moved, Willmer switched to Pukekohe Swimming Club to be coached by Sheldon Kemp.

Not long after, the then-17-year-old travelled to Indianapolis to compete on his first international team at the 2022 Para Swimming World Series. Willmer went on to make his Aquablack debut at the 2022 Para Swimming World Championships in Madeira, where he notched a best finish of sixth place in the SB8 100m breaststroke.

Willmer made a name for himself at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, producing a New Zealand record to come from behind and win the gold medal in the SB8 100m breaststroke. His celebration captured the heart of the nation, as he excitedly jumped on the lane rope after touching the wall before falling backwards with both arms in the air.

Since 2022, he’s been a consistent presence on the New Zealand team, competing in multiple Para Swimming World Series events and the 2023 World Championships in Manchester, where he placed sixth in the SB8 100m breaststroke and broke the New Zealand record again.

In early 2024, Willmer picked up a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke at the Para Swimming World Series stop in Singapore, indicating his fine form heading into a busy year.

Willmer qualified for his first Paralympic Games at the 2024 New Zealand Championships and made his Paralympic debut in Paris 2024, setting a New Zealand record and finishing ninth, narrowly missing the final.

The New Zealand record holder’s favourite quote is “Do the mahi, get the treats”.

Senior pinnacle international medal record

Commonwealth Games – 1 x gold