Having a hit (left) and with Lleyton Hewitt (right). Photo: Supplied.
Tennis runs through three generations of Julia Walsh’s family.
Julia’s father had a court in the backyard, her brother Gerry Gooden found success in Special Olympics doubles, and her youngest child Tim grew up following them onto the court.
Now Tim, 31, has been selected for the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne this October – the latest step in a remarkable journey shaped by family and a love of the game.
“My dad used to have a tennis court at his home,” Julia said.
“I also have a brother who has Down syndrome … and he was a very good player too.
“Dad never got him into the Special Olympics, but when he came to live with me he started competing in the Special Olympics. He was quite good.”
For Tim, who also has Down syndrome, tennis became more than a sport — it was a powerful bond with his Uncle Gerry and the foundation for his own achievements.
Gerry lived with Julia for 14 years and, before dementia and mobility issues set in, was a strong Special Olympics competitor, often playing doubles and training alongside Tim under Complete Tennis coach Stuart O’Shannessy.
Living in Gwynneville, just minutes from Beaton Park, made regular training part of everyday life.
From those early sessions, Tim’s own pathway quickly gathered momentum.
Tennis has since taken him to regional, state and national Special Olympics tournaments, Sports Inclusion State events, the Australian Open Inclusion — and, in 2019, to the Global Games in Brisbane representing Australia, a career highlight.
“Stuart O’Shannessy used to coach Gerry right up until the end, where he couldn’t do too much, but Stuart was so gorgeous with him,” she said.
“If they get the opportunity, it’s amazing what they can do.
“Tim and Gerry, from early on, they both had very good ball sense.”
There’s another family coincidence Julia can’t help but chuckle at: both Tim and Gerry are the youngest in big families.
“Would you believe my mum had 11 children and I had 11 children – Tim’s my number 11, and Gerry was my mum’s number 11,” she said.
“They got stimulated from day one from siblings, and they just sort of did what the others did.”
For Tim, tennis has been about far more than results.
“It’s certainly been fantastic in that he gets out and meets people,” Julia said.
“Although, he does do it in lots of other ways as well, like through his employment.”
In fact, when Tim walks into a sporting venue, chances are someone there already knows him.
“If I take him anywhere, it doesn’t matter where – you can even go to Sydney – and someone will say, ‘Tim? Hello,’” she said, laughing.
“He reaches out to everybody and he’s just very personable.”
Tim said he loved tennis because it was something he was able to start when he was younger and then continue with, highlighting the inclusive nature of the sport.
“I have been able to continue to learn and train so as to improve my game,” Tim said.
“It keeps me fit and has enabled me to play in Special Olympics competitions.”
Julia said he started off with coach Stuart Barkley, before shifting to the Disability Trust which offered tennis coaching for kids with a disability.
“He went there for a little while, but in the end they were saying ‘Look, he needs proper coaching. He’s getting beyond our skill,’” she said.
“That’s why we went back to Stuart.”
Now, 28 years later, he is still coached by Stuart Barkley.
Along with preparing for the Special Olympics National Games, Julia said he was also in a training squad with Tennis Australia in Parramatta which was helping to further sharpen his skills.
But tennis is just one part of Tim’s sporting life.
“He plays a lot of basketball – three times a week – and he plays in Special Olympics in their regionals and state events,” Julia said.
“He used to swim in the Special Olympics too.”
Despite his packed sporting schedule, Tim is committed to giving back, working with the Disability Trust’s Sports Ready programs to visit schools, teach basic sporting skills and share his lived experience.
He has also embraced formal leadership, recently completing a leadership course and graduating as a recognised Special Olympics leader, enabling him to speak at events and advocate for the benefits of sport for people with disability.
