Emma Pritchard
Clarence Valley teenager Gideon Litchfield continues to smile proudly after enjoying plenty of success at the 2024 Trilogy Funds Australian Pickleball Championships which were held at KDV Sport on the Gold Coast between October 2-7.
Representing the Grafton Pickleball Club alongside his stepfather Paul Jackson, Gideon, 17, was one of the youngest amongst 1250 competitors from across the southern hemisphere and celebrated becoming a Para Pickleball Triple Crown winner after taking home the gold medal in the Para Standing CoEd Singles 2.5+, the Para CoEd Doubles Combined 5.0+, and the Hybrid Doubles 5.99 and below respectively.
Born with Global Development Delay (GDD), Gideon has always been passionate about sport and has never let anything stop him from achieving his dreams.
As the first para pickleballer to win three gold medals at the 2024 Trilogy Funds Australian Pickleball Championships earlier this month, Gideon is elated by his recent accolades and readily embraces every opportunity to pick up his paddle and hit the counts.
Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, his stepfather revealed Gideon was blown away by his performances throughout the championships, describing his three wins as the holy grail of the sport.
“He’s very single minded,” Mr Jackson said.
“He loves playing pickleball and he wants to be a champion (of the sport).
“He’ll play every day if you let him.”
Mr Jackson and Gideon started playing pickleball together in 2022 after an advertisement promoting the sport caught their attention.
Describing pickleball as an inclusive and easy to learn sport which encourages and promotes enjoyment, fitness, and mental stimulation amongst participants, Mr Jackson said it has allowed Gideon to further develop and expand his confidence while opening doorways to new friendships and stimulating experiences.
As the President of the Grafton Pickleball Club, Mr Jackson said the local pickleball community are very accepting and supportive of Gideon, and he is always encouraging other Clarence Valley residents to pick up a paddle and give the sport a go.
Pickleball come-and-try sessions are held each Tuesday between 2-6pm at the Grafton PCYC.
All ages and abilities are welcome.
Equipment and coaching are also provided for $5.50 per session.
Social pickleball sessions are held on Monday and Thursday evenings at the Grafton City Tennis Centre between 5:30-7:30pm.
Cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members,
Mr Jackson said Gideon is always looking forward to meeting new players on the courts and sharing his passion for pickleball.
For further information about the Grafton Pickleball Club, please contact Mr Jackson on 0426 964 876, Grafton PCYC on 02 5622 4020, or visit the Pickleball Grafton Facebook page.