I’m Toby Pattullo from Phillip Island, a Deaflympian marathon runner chasing a dream 24 years in the making to represent Australia at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, happening in November 2025.

Back in the ’90s, basketball was my world. I poured my heart into it, trained like crazy, and earned my spot on Australia’s Deaflympics team in Copenhagen 1997 and Rome 2001. Wearing the green and gold, competing with my mates, was next level. It was pride. It was family.

Then life changed. I started a web development business, and later tried going back to basketball. But it wasn’t the same. The team I knew was gone, and something felt missing.

Running came into my life almost by accident. It started as a way to stay fit while working from home, just a stress reliever. But after my daughter Ebony was born, it became bigger. I wanted to show her, and myself, what I could do. I started signing up for races: marathons, then ultras. I ran through bush trails, up mountains, through pain and accomplishment. Ultra running wasn’t about medals for me. It was about the dedication, the quiet moments alone, the mental toughness. It became who I am.

Last year, I entered the Gold Coast Marathon the day before, with no road training, having done a 66 km ultra race a few weeks before. I ran 3 hours 11 minutes, a personal best and qualified for the 2025 Deaflympics marathon in Tokyo. That performance, combined with my extensive ultra-running background and monthly training reports I provided to Australia Deaf Sports, led to my recent selection for the 2025 Deaflympics marathon. Now, alongside Melinda Vernon (NSW) and Caine Batten (QLD), I’m part of Australia’s first Deaflympics marathon team, making history.

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The Deaflympics: Big Legacy, No Support

The Deaflympics, dating back to 1924, is the second-oldest multi-sport event in the world, recognised by the International Olympic Committee. It’s a stage for pride, resilience, and community. But in Australia, it’s a struggle.

Unlike Paralympians or Deaf tennis players who get full funding from Tennis Australia, Deaflympians like me get no government support. No coaching, no travel, no gear. We juggle work, training, and fundraising to wear the green and gold. Other countries give their Deaf athletes salaries and homes. Here, we scrape by, not for fame, but for our country, for the Deaf community, and for the kids who need to see what’s possible.

We self-fund everything, and that’s why I’m reaching out.

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My Ask: Help Me Run for Australia

How You Can Help

I’m reaching out for support to help cover the essential costs of preparing and competing in Tokyo:

What I’m fundraising for:

- Coaching and training prep

- Lead-up races and warm-up events

- Running gear, shoes, nutrition, recovery

- Travel, accommodation, Deaflympics entry ($6,500)

Estimated Total: $10,000

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Every Contribution Helps

I’m not a professional athlete with a massive following just a dad, a Deaf Aussie, and someone who’s committed to showing up and giving it my all. Your support, big or small, will help me cross the start line in Tokyo.

If any businesses would like to support my journey to the Deaflympics, I’d be grateful for any contributions. Please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Any personal acknowledgements, such as thank-you posts or wearing a sponsor logo on a shirt, will be done voluntarily to show my gratitude.

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Why This Matters

This isn’t just about running a race. It’s a full-circle moment, from a young basketballer to a marathoner in my 40s, showing that it’s never too late. It’s about representing Australia, inspiring Deaf kids, and paving the way for others.

Thank you for believing in me.

Toby Pattullo

Deaflympian. Marathon Runner. Proud Aussie.

2025 Deaflympic Games Tokyo

Check out my update training at https://www.strava.com/athletes/toby_pattullo

Upcoming races: