The South African Paralympic team for the much-anticipated 2020 Games in Tokyo was announced recently, and South Coast’s very own local athlete, Tyrone Pillay, was among the athletes selected for shot put.
Speaking exclusively to the South Coast Weekly Gazette from Tokyo, Pillay said he was so grateful for the opportunity to participate in his second Paralympic Games. The 40-year-old Warner Beach local represented SA in the Rio 2016 Men’s Shot Put T36 event and brought home a bronze medal. “It is with great pride that I am representing my country yet again. It has always been a dream of mine to compete for South Africa and to get the chance to do it all over again is such a great honour,” said Pillay. Pillay was born with an impairment to his left foot, which subsequently led to the amputation of his leg below the knee. The former Reservoir Hills Secondary School learner recalls his inspiration to take up shot put in 2008 while he was watching the Beijing Paralympics. He said the Games are a great platform for athletes that have varying physical disabilities to showcase their athletic talents. “Disabilities range from limb deficiency, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement as well as intellectual impairments,” said Pillay.
The athlete said he has been mentally and physically preparing himself for his upcoming game on the 4 September. “I have to stick to my training and remain focused and everything will fall into place. If you have a desire to be the best that you can be, then half the competition has already been won.” “I remember during the build-up to the 2016 Rio Games, my mom fell ill with cancer. It was a challenging time for me but I had to remain focused at the games and collectively our team brought home 17 medals that year,” said a proud Pillay. The Tokyo Games was initially planned to be held in 2020, however due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the games were postponed to this year. Pillay said due to back injuries he sustained recently, his participation in this year’s Games was almost not a possibility but with hard work, perseverance and training, he has finally arrived in Japan.
When asked about the much-anticipated opening ceremony, Pillay said: “The ceremony was great and getting to walk out there and show the world what South Africa is made of was and always will be a proud moment for me. The energy and excitement in the arena was electrifying.” Speaking about his hopes for the Games on 4 September, he said: “The competition is fierce and it will be hard but who wants to win the easy way. I am hoping to bring home a medal again this year.” Pillay said he was looking forward to coming home to his amazing family and to take a much-needed break before returning to his regular life as an IT Technical Specialist. “Never give up on your dreams. Rise up and work hard for what you want in life and you will find success,” he said. Pillay wished to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported him on his journey and he admits that he is overwhelmed by all the love he has received. “I am filled with joy and excitement for what’s to come,” he concluded.
