Tige
Simmons

Three-time Paralympian Tige Simmons is one of the most respected members of the Australian men’s wheelchair basketball team. Making his Rollers debut in 2002, Tige began his career on top, winning gold at the 2002 FESPIC Games in Busan, South Korea and 2003 and 2004 Kitakyushu Cups in Kitakyushu, Japan.

Continuing his winning streak, Tige was also a part of the team that won gold at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, defeating long-time adversary Canada 72-60 in the final. He describes these Games as his best to date, having achieved Paralympic gold on debut.

Following on from the success of Beijing, Tige and the Rollers also won gold at the 2009 Paralympic World Cup, 2010 IWBF World Wheelchair Basketball Championship and 2011 Asia-Oceania Championships, before enjoying an unbeaten run to the London 2012 finals to claim silver.

Shockingly, at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games the Rollers were eliminated from gold medal contention in a 23-point loss to Great Britain in the quarter-finals.

His sights set on captaining Australia, ‘Tiger’ also plays domestically for the Queensland Spinning Bullets. In 2005 and 2008 he was named in the NWBL All-Star Five, and in 10 years’ time he hopes to still be competing in the national league.

Inspired by retired Roller, Queenslander Adrian King, Tige works towards emulating Adrian’s dedication to the sport and motivation to compete.

A national sit-down waterskiing champion, Tige enjoys spending time outdoors, playing tennis and listening to music.