Australia has lost one of its most remarkable sporting icons with the passing of Kevin Coombs, a true legend of wheelchair basketball. Hailing from Swan Hill, Victoria, Kevin Coombs was not only an incredible athlete but also a dedicated advocate for Indigenous health and a cherished Wotjobaluk Elder.
Born in 1941, he embarked on an extraordinary journey towards sporting greatness, an unexpected beginning that arose in the corridors of a hospital's rehabilitation program. Introduced to basketball as part of his recovery, he swiftly demonstrated exceptional talent and unwavering determination, which set the stage for an illustrious career.
Coombs etched his name on the national sports scene in 1960 when he showcased his prowess at the inaugural Australian wheelchair basketball championships. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the Australian team for the 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome. This historic moment not only marked his personal triumph but also made him the first Indigenous Australian to represent his nation at the Paralympics.
Beyond his sporting feats, he played a pivotal role in the advancement of disabled sports in Victoria, notably through his association with Wheelchair Sports Victoria, now known as Disability Sport and Recreation.
Coombs went on to captain the Australian basketball team at the 1972 Paralympics in Germany and led his country in the 1974 Commonwealth Games, 1977 Silver Jubilee Games, and the 1980 Paralympics in Holland.
On the home front, Kevin Coombs remained an unstoppable force. He was an instrumental part of the victorious Victorian team, earning the Best and Fairest title twice. After retiring from international competition following his fifth Paralympics appearance in 1984, Coombs continued to leave a mark on the sport, both as a player and coach, until 1997.
Coombs' legacy transcends the basketball court, among his numerous accolades were the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia, an Australian Sports Medal, induction into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame, a Deadly lifetime achievement award, and a NAIDOC award. His iconic status in Australian sports history was further cemented by his official roles in the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics. Remarkably, he was one of the select few Australian athletes to have carried both Olympic and Paralympic torches, and he was one of only nine to have an avenue named after him in the Sydney Olympic Village. He wasn't merely an exceptional athlete; he was also an unwavering advocate for Indigenous health. His tireless efforts in this arena have left a positive imprint on communities throughout Victoria.
As we mourn the loss of Kevin Coombs, we remember a Victorian sporting hero whose remarkable journey from hospital rehabilitation to the world stage inspired generations. His legacy will continue to shine brightly, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for athletes and advocates alike, reminding us of the transformative power of sports and the enduring impact of one person's dedication to a cause greater than themselves. Kevin will forever be remembered as a true champion, both on and off the basketball court.
