After a whirlwind 24 months, the Thomas Wilson pickleball health saga is quietening as the Texan continues to impress on the court. He is the second-best men’s mixed doubles player on tour, only surpassed by the class that is Benjamin Johns.
Two years ago, Wilson’s pro pickleball career hung in the balance after he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Now, he’s winning medals and is a force to be reckoned with on the PPA Tour. I’d like to honor Thomas’ resilience in reviewing his life-altering pickleball journey in recent years.
Thomas Wilson Pickleball Achievements
First PPA Gold Medal
Thomas Wilson has had a stellar two years in the world of pickleball. Competing in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, Wilson’s dedication and skill have earned him multiple medals, including three golds.
The man from New Braunfels bagged his first PPA Tour gold in the men’s doubles at the 2024 U.S. Indoor Championships. He clinched his second gold hours later in the mixed doubles with partner Vivienne David. Wilson and David also won the 2024 Veolia LA Open mixed event.
Besides lifting trophies, Wilson has earned multiple bronze and silver medals in the men’s and mixed doubles events, making him one of the best team players in the game.
Health Scares and Diagnosis
The Beginning of Health Issues
In August 2022, during a tournament, Wilson experienced his first episode of tachycardia, characterized by a dangerously rapid heart rate. This episode forced him to withdraw from several matches and marked the start of a challenging period.
Escalation at the Texas Open
Wilson’s condition worsened in June at the Texas Open, where he had to retire from his first-round singles match due to severe tachycardia. His heart rate reached nearly 300 beats per minute, posing a significant health risk. Following this episode, Wilson’s cardiologist diagnosed him with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a congenital heart defect involving an extra electrical pathway in the heart.
Understanding Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
What is WPW Syndrome?
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a congenital heart condition characterized by an extra electrical pathway between the heart’s upper and lower chambers. This can lead to rapid heartbeats (tachycardia) and symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. While WPW is generally not life-threatening, it can occasionally cause severe complications.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Thomas Wilson Pickleball Heart Surgery
Wilson’s condition was particularly complex, with three extra electrical pathways instead of the usual one. Despite the challenges, the surgery to correct these pathways was successful, allowing Wilson to return to physical activity just a week later.
Swift Return to Competition
Determined to continue his pickleball career, Wilson participated in the MLP Season 1 Playoffs in San Clemente, CA, just days after his surgery. Cleared to exercise on Wednesday and competing by Friday, Wilson played a key role in his team, the Los Angeles Mad Drops, securing the championship.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Welcoming a New Family Member
Amid his health battles and sports achievements, Wilson and his wife, Brittany, were preparing for another significant milestone: adopting a baby girl. After enduring infertility struggles and multiple setbacks, the couple announced their adoption plans in November 2022.
Their daughter, Holyn Everly Wilson, was born in early September, and the adoption was finalized in November. Wilson credits Brittany for being the family’s anchor as they navigate parenthood.
Leaving the Desk Job
Wilson had a tough decision to make at the end of 2023 if he were to elevate his career as a pickleball professional. Despite loving his job as a Senior Account Executive at AlertMedia, the three-time PPA gold medalist took a leap of faith and officially left his employers in April 2024.
Pickleball has reached a point where pros can earn a favorable living, allowing them to eat, sleep, and breathe our beloved sport. Players no longer need to balance a full-time job and training as our sport has finally become professionalized. While purists may detest the influx of money into the game, it allows pros like Thomas to put food on the table, doing what he loves.
Future Prospects in Pickleball
With 3 gold medals in the trophy cabinet, 5 months into 2024, it’s clear that Thomas is on fire. The next step is to keep the gold flowing and close the gap on Ben Johns in the men’s mixed doubles player rankings.
Conclusion
Thomas Wilson’s journey over the past two years is a testament to his resilience and passion for pickleball. Despite facing significant health challenges, he has continued to excel on the court and achieve personal milestones. His story is an inspiring reminder that dedication and perseverance can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
The three-time gold medal winner and world number 2 mixed doubles player is only warming up and will continue to be a feature on Championship Sundays.
