“Throughout all of this, I have still been working full-time to pay the daily bills and cover the costs of international competition.”Jeremy Peacock
TGS Old Boy (2005-2009) Jeremy Peacock, has been selected to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
During Jeremy's time at TGS he represented the School in numerous endeavours but was particularly known for his contributions to the Arts, particularly music. On the sports field, Jeremy represented TGS in GPS Athletics, Cross Country, Cricket and Football. Under the guidance of Mr Mark Oliphant during his Cross Country days, all Jeremy wanted to do was run fast and be like everyone else. However, unbeknownst to many during his time at TGS, he was suppressing a life-long condition.
Jeremy's journey to this point is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born three months premature and diagnosed with hemiplegia cerebral palsy due to a lack of oxygen to the brain, his early years were marked by numerous surgeries and specialist appointments. Throughout the majority of his life, Jeremy did not consider himself impaired and was determined to compete in all sports against his fellow able-bodied athletes.
Despite his physical challenges, Jeremy's resilience and passion for sport have been unwavering. Initially a runner inspired by his father, a former professional ultra-marathoner, Jeremy transitioned to cycling after facing constant injuries from running. His foray into triathlon in 2016 sparked a new passion, leading to his eventual classification as a PTS4 Para triathlete in early 2020.
Jeremy's breakthrough came in 2022, his first international season, where he secured gold and silver in World Para Series races and clinched 3rd place at the World Para Triathlon Championships. Now, with the Paris Paralympics in sight, he faces the financial realities that often accompany elite-level sport, particularly para-sport in Australia.
Balancing a full-time job to cover living expenses and competition costs, Jeremy has been taking annual leave or leave without pay to participate in international events. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to giving his all in the pursuit of his Paralympic dream.
Jeremy writes in his blog, documenting the final three months of his preparation for Paris. "Unfortunately, this is the reality of sport in Australia, especially para-sport, but I am making sure I'm doing everything in my power to make it to these Games. I don't want to be sitting back in 6 months' time going, 'I wish I should, I could've.'"
Jeremy's informal blog provides an intimate glimpse into the life of a high-level para-athlete, shedding light on the physical and financial challenges faced by those striving to represent their country on the world stage. As the countdown to Paris continues, Jeremy is reaching out to the community for support.
“I am grateful for any support that can help me get to Paris.”Jeremy Peacock
"Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to representing Australia at the Paralympic Games."
You can also follow his blog for updates and insights into his preparation and experiences leading up to the biggest race of his life, along with links to support Jeremy on his journey to Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
His advice to current students at TGS is to become fully immersed in the TGS life as you will form fond memories and I truly believe that my time at Grammar with its highs and lows, shaped me into the man I am today.
“Do what makes you happy; it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else and set your sights high as you never know what you are capable of, something I am still learning to this day.”— Jeremy Peacock
Latest News
news
Read More
TGS Athletics Coach on Track to Olympics
In an incredible achievement, Toowoomba Grammar School Athletics Coach, Mrs Jackie Gallagher is on track for Olympic coaching glory. Jackie is one of only 25 women worldwide, and the only Australian to be selected for a leadership program in preparation for Olympic and International team management. Jackie was nominated for the 21-month program by Athletics Australia and endorsed by World Athletics and the IOC. It follows her selection for the prestigious Women in Sport High Performance Pathway…
news
Read More
TGS Aquatic Centre Rated One of the Best in the Country
Royal Lifesaving Society Australia (RLSA) conducted a review of the operations of the School’s Aquatic Centre on 13 March 2023. This review, called the Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment, is undertaken to provide pool operators with feedback on their operations against industry standards and covered the following areas: Work Health and Safety Emergency Planning Qualifications and Training Aquatic Programs Supervision First Aid Plant and Chemical Areas Changing Facilities Lap and Lane Pools…
news
Read More
Historic RAP Launched by TGS
In an historic milestone, Toowoomba Grammar School launched its Reconciliation Action Plan today, Wednesday, 31 May as part of National Reconciliation Week celebrations. TGS has proudly formulated this Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) over the past eighteen months in close conjunction with Narragunnawali, a nationally recognised organisation that promotes reconciliation in education. Narragunnawali supports schools to develop environments that foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in our…
news
Read More
TGS Swimmers make a Splash Nationally
Toowoomba Grammar School Swimming club claimed swimmers claimed three national titles and a nice haul of medals at the Australian Swimming Age Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this month. Sienna Duerloo cemented her position as one of Australia’s best up and coming long distance swimmers. She is now a National Champion after swimming away with two golds – winning both the 800m and 1500m in the 17 years girls freestyle. Mackenzie Grimes is also a National Champion after collecting gold in…
news
Read More
TGS has the next Spielberg, we mean Rosenberg!
Toowoomba Grammar School Year 12 student, Ben Rosenberg is making a name for himself nationally as an up-and-coming young film maker. Ben won 'Best Director' overall at the 2022 Nextwave Youth Film Awards in Coffs Harbour on Saturday, 22 April for his film 'Green Room'. There were over 160 short films submitted to the competition from around the country and 28 films were chosen as finalists. Ben was named the Best Director overall! Ben has had previous success at this competition in his age…
news
Read More
It's Showtime - Grammar Art Show Time to be Exact
The 30th annual Grammar Art Show from March 24-26, will showcase a dynamic and diverse exhibition of more than 650 contemporary Australian artworks on display, a further 275 online from 220 different artists. The Grammar Art Show has become such a prestigious exhibition that artists from all over Australia nominate their work months before the Show and, unfortunately, many don’t make the final cut. Grammar Art Show is recognised as one of Toowoomba's signature events, attracting over 3,500…
news
Read More
Student Art Show Online
We are excited to launch our 2023 Student Art Show. Thank you to all the guests who came to this wonderful Opening Night on Friday, 17 March to support our young artists. Featuring the work of 125 of our Art students of 2022, this exhibition is in our Art Gallery in the Henderson building into Term 2 for TGS families to enjoy. It is also open to the public during the weekend of the Grammar Art Show, 25 and 26 March. Can't make it to our Gallery? Enjoy the works online - and share with long…
news
Read More
TGS Music Teacher Hitting the Right Notes
A Toowoomba Grammar School Music teacher has been appointed to a highly regarded international position, one of the only people in Australia to have the role. Woodwind teacher and accompanist, Melissa Buchholz has received the honour of a position on the Trinity College London music examinations panel. This position is considered one of the highest in the music industry examination sectors. "This has been a lifelong dream of mine and a rigorous two year process to be appointed," said Mel. "I…
news
Read More
2022 1st Basketball team presented with Premiership Caps
At a special School Assembly yesterday, Thursday, 2 February The TGS Old Boys' Association, represented by President, Mark Creedon (1973-77) and committee member, Nicholas Hess (1997-2001) presented the players in the 2022 Basketball 1st V with a Premiership Cap in recognition of their efforts and achievement of winning a GPS Premiership. It has become a TGSOBA honoured tradition to make a presentation of a Premiership Cap to the players of a Premiership side as a recognition of their feat. The…
