Raphael Uzoma

Raphael Uzoma came from Nigeria in 2016 to make a new life in Australia with a career in biotechnology. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a T11-T12 spinal cord injury and spent most of 2017-19 in hospital. He is now in a wheelchair.

Since then he has had to juggle ongoing medical treatment and a rigorous rehabilitation regime while seeking to make the most of limited employment opportunities. It has been a difficult time for him with not much fun.

That is until he joined the Maroubra Seals Table Tennis Intra Club in 2020 and got serious about the game. Since then he has been among the medallists in every local, State, and National competition he has entered. At the 2025 TTA National Championships, he won 1 Gold medal, 2 Silver medals and 2 Bronze medals. He now has his eyes firmly fixed on playing for Australia at elite level.

Raphael continues to defy expectations. Table Tennis is a huge part of his continuing recovery. He is determined to walk again.

Raphael Uzoma was selected for the National Para Development Camp held in Melbourne in November 2025.

In August 2025, Raphael Uzoma was selected to join the NSWIS Para Unit Accelerate Program. This program is designed to support Para athletes on a trajectory towards categorisation by providing access to expert coaching, performance support staff, facilities and grant support.

2025 Australian National Championships

Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium 6–13 July 2025

Gold Medal Men’s Open Class 1-5 Wheelchair Doubles.
R. Uzoma/S. Eshani.

Silver Medal Class 1-5 Mixed Wheelchair Doubles.
R. Uzoma/M. Montgomery

Silver Medal Class 1-5 Teams won by NSW.

Bronze Medal Class 4-5 Mens Wheelchair Singles

Bronze Medal Class 1-5 Mens Wheelchair Singles

The warm welcome of organiser Andy Aschner and players in the Maroubra Seals Table Tennis Intra Club gave Raphael a boost at a time when he really needed it. Little did they know they would set him on his quest to play for Australia at elite level.

Help Raphael to achieve his quest

Training, coaching, equipment, travel and accommodation, and competition at elite level all come with a cost that is beyond Raphael’s personal resources. But, with you and other enthusiastic supporters sharing the load, he will be able to achieve his goal of playing for Australia at elite level.

Thank you to the dedicated doctors, nurses, therapists and other support professionals who continue to be integral to Raphael’s recovery and progress. Thank you also to those in the community whose friendship and support keep him going. You inspire him to keep defying expectations.