Thomas Coysh

Hi, my name is Thomas Coysh.

Adventure has always been in my DNA.

After losing my vision due to a degenerative eye condition, I refused to let it define what was possible. Instead, I threw myself into new challenges and discovered a passion for adaptive sport and pushing beyond perceived limits. Whether it’s sailing, exploring the outdoors, or racing down ski slopes at speeds over 80km/h totally blind, I love the thrill of testing myself and embracing the unknown. Every challenge has built my confidence, resilience, and belief that anything is possible with the right mindset. Today, I’m chasing my dream of representing New Zealand on the world stage while showing others that disability should never be a barrier to living life to the fullest.

Fun facts

• My nickname is “The Blind Skiwi.”
• I’ve sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, covering more than 5,000 kms on a wooden tall ship that wouldn’t look out of place in Pirates of the Caribbean.
• I love learning and growing, with one of my interests being language. I am teaching myself German and Spanish, know the NATO phonetic alphabet, and I’m fascinated by the origin of words.