SA’s Theo Cogill admits a difficult Paralympic test: “I had a chance”

South African para tennis table star Theo Cogill

South African para table tennis star According to Cogill admits his Tokyo Paralympic campaign has been tough since the Capeton lost their first two matches.

A native of Bonteheuwel, Cogill is the first South African to represent the country in Paralympic table tennis since 2008.

Cogill started table tennis at the age of 11, and since he has been classified as a para table tennis player, he has continued to play against able-bodied athletes.

In 2011, Cogill was diagnosed with Brown-Sequard syndrome (incomplete spinal cord injury) after being stabbed in an attack.

“Some people didn’t think I got qualified,” said Cogill, who also represented SA at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“A lot of people in Bonteheuwel are excited to see what’s going on, and being here makes them proud.”

Cogill’s Paralympic debut hasn’t started best with losses in the first two Group D games.

In his opening match, Cogill lost in three innings to Rio’s bronze medalist, the Austrian Krisztian Gardos, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7.

Then on Thursday, the 34-year-old had a much better performance, but he faltered to Brazilian Carlos Carbinat (11-8, 14-12, 11-5).

Cogill says he tried his best but struggled in foreign conditions at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

“It’s pretty hard to play in these conditions. It’s the biggest stage with all the nerves,” Cogill said Thursday.

“I just lacked momentum. In the first and second installments I had my chance, but I only struggled a bit with the conditions in the hall. But I tried my best.

“It’s a big deal to represent the country. It’s been an honor to be here and adapt.”

The South Africans ’next and final Group D match will be played against Frenchman Mateo Bohea on Friday at 06.40 SA.

Cogill hopes to improve, but says it’s hard to move forward in Tokyo.

“Now that I’m going to my last match, it’s pretty hard,” he said.

“It was actually a death squad with some high-level players, but for me it’s just going back and thinking about what I need to improve on.”