For Waikato’s Thomas Szabo, sport has been more than just competition, it has been a pathway to confidence, growth and opportunity.
Born with cerebral palsy, which affects the right side of his body, Thomas has embraced sport from a young age and is now a C2 Para cyclist competing at a high level on both the velodrome and the road. As a member of the Halberg Youth Council, he is passionate about ensuring other young people with disabilities have access to the same opportunities that have helped shape his journey.
We caught up with Thomas to learn more about his sporting journey, what inspired him to join the Youth Council, and how confidence has played a key role in his success.
FROM FOOTBALL FIELDS TO THE CYCLING TRACK
Thomas grew up in Cambridge and first discovered his love for sport through football, plating throughout his childhood and into his high school years.
Along the way, he connected with Halberg, which opened his eyes to the world of Para sport and the opportunities available to athletes with disabilities. One of the first ways Halberg supported Thomas was through funding swimming lessons when he was around nine years old.
That experience sparked a passion for sport that has continued to grow.
Today, Thomas competes as a Para cyclist and has spent the last two years racing competitively on both the track and road, continually pushing himself to achieve new goals.
GIVING BACK THROUGH THE YOUTH COUNCIL
When the opportunity arose to join the Halberg Youth Council, Thomas didn’t hesitate.
Having benefited from Halberg’s support throughout his life, he saw the Youth Council as a chance to give back and help shape opportunities for the next generation of young people with disabilities.
He wanted to ensure that other young people could access the same experiences, support and pathways that has such a positive impact on his own journey.
FINDING HIS VOICE AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
For Thomas, being part of the Youth Council has been a valuable opportunity for personal growth.
Through sharing his experiences and contributing his perspective, he has developed greater confidence in himself both as a person and as an athlete.
The experience has empowered him to use his voice, advocate for others and continue growing within sport and recreation.
CONFIDENCE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
Confidence is an important part of any athlete’s journey, and Thomas experience that firsthand when he travelled to Australia for the 2025 Oceania Championships.
Competing overseas for the first time was a daunting experience, and he admits he felt nervous heading into the event. However, after spending time training on the track before competition began, Thomas realised he needed to trust in his preparation and back himself.
The support he received from fellow competitors also played a big part in helping him settle in.
“The Australian riders were so welcoming and supportive,” he relected, “They gave me confidence in myself and helped me believe that I belonged there.”
That experience taught Thomas the importance of self-belief and reinforced how confidence can make all the difference when stepping outside your comfort zone.
EMBRACING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Thomas is always willing to challenge himself and step into new experiences. Recently, he put his hand up to live interview some of New Zealand’s top sporting talent at the Halberg Awards, another opportunity that pushed him beyond his comfort zone.
It’s a reflection of the confidence he has developed through sport and his involvement with the Youth Council, and his willingness to say “yes” to opportunities that help him grow.
LOOKING AHEAD
From discovering Para sport through Halberg as a young boy representing New Zealand on the international cycling stage and helping shape the future of disability sport through the Youth Council, Thomas’ journey is one of determination, growth and giving back.
His story highlights the powerful impact that sport, confidence, and community can have, and why it’s so important that young people with disabilities continue to have opportunities to participate, belong and thrive.
