Inspired by their father, a national champion in the 18-foot class, Tom Anderson and his twin brother John Anderson began sailing together in the Flying Dutchman boat class . However, they later parted ways. In 1968 Tom managed to qualify for the Olympic Games in Mexico City . With his crew in the kite, he finished fifth.
At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich , he won the gold medal in the dragon boat together with John Cuneo and John Shaw . His twin brother John Anderson was also successful at the Games and became an Olympic champion in the Star. After the Games, Thomas retired to start his own plumbing business. He became the father of twins himself. His son Brad and daughter Elise both became sailors and took part in the 1991 World Junior Championships.