Filipino-Australian Teen Wins Bronze at Australian Pickleball Championships
The recent 2024 Trilogy Funds Australian Pickleball Championships (APC) held in Gold Coast, Australia, saw a young Filipino-Australian teenager, Javier Segui, shine as he clinched a bronze medal in the 14 and Under Boys Singles Skill category. The event, which took place from Oct. 2 to 7, gathered over 1,200 players, making it the largest gathering of pickleball players in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to the Pickleball Australia Association (PAA), the APC is solidified as the second largest tournament outside of the US, with only the 2024 English Open attracting a larger participation base. The event brings together players of all ages and skills, offering inclusive opportunities for able-bodied and players with disabilities to compete alongside some of the best homegrown and international talent.
What makes Segui’s achievement even more special is that he won the bronze on his 13th birthday, adding an extra layer of excitement and celebration to the tournament. Despite facing tough competition, Segui managed to edge out a player from Victoria state and secure the third spot in the Singles category.
Having started playing pickleball just two years ago at a friend’s house, Segui’s dedication and hard work paid off as he trained for three weeks leading up to the tournament with his friend’s father, a professional pickleball player, and a seeded player. Drawing from his experience in tennis lessons, Segui showcased his skills on the court and left a mark in the competition.
Pickleball is an emerging sport in Australia, with the 2024 APC Championships marking the fifth edition of the event. With maximum participation in singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and specialty formats, the championships provide a platform for players to showcase their talents and passion for the sport.
Looking ahead, Segui expressed his interest in joining more pickleball tournaments while also balancing his participation in other sports like tennis, swimming, and volleyball. Recently, his school volleyball team won silver at the Volleyball Queensland 2024 Junior Schools Cup, adding another achievement to his growing list of successes.
As a Year 7 student and the youngest of three children, Segui’s parents, Oliver and Juliette, who hail from the Philippines, have been supportive of his athletic pursuits. Oliver, a practicing doctor in the Gold Coast, shares the same birthday as Javier, further highlighting the strong bond between father and son.
Segui’s journey in pickleball serves as an inspiration to young athletes looking to pursue their passion and excel in their chosen sport. With dedication, hard work, and a supportive community, anything is possible, as demonstrated by Segui’s remarkable performance at the 2024 APC Championships.