Potchefstroom-based wheelchair Paralympian, Leon Els, progressed to the second round of the men’s singles at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games from 27 August to 4 September 2021, before Great Britain’s Gordon Reid ended Els’ hopes with a 2–6, 0–6 defeat.
Although it was a disappointing end to Els’ medal hopes, the tournament and experience are something he will hold dear to his heart. Having been knocked out in the first round at Rio 2016, Els redeemed himself with a superb come-from-behind win against Brazil’s Gustavo Carneiro Silva in Tokyo.
He battled to a tough first-round win in the early hours of the morning at 00:30 with a 1–6, 6–4, 6–3 victory. This win illustrated Els’ determination to succeed and come back to SA with a win and his pride intact.
“I lost the singles to the current defending champion later that day. It was not my best tennis and I could not repeat the level of tennis I had played that morning, but I am proud to have had the opportunity to play on the world’s biggest stage against the best,” stated Els on his Facebook page.
Els couldn’t progress past the first round in the doubles, as he and his partner, Evans Maripa, lost 7–5, 1–6, 2–6 against the American pair of Casey Ratzlaff and Conner Stroud. According to Els, he has never had to dig so deep to compete, having struggled with his health, the long nights and long matches, which ultimately took their toll.
This was his first major tournament this year, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am very happy that I managed to play and, more importantly, compete, as I live for the fight! I am proud of my effort, as the battle going on internally was immense. I always give a 100 per cent but I feel I gave it my absolute best and that is what matters at the end of the day. I have gained a lot of experience, especially playing on the centre court for the first time. I know what is needed to push me and my game further,” he emphasised.
He thanks everyone for their support during and after the tournament, saying all the messages helped him through difficult times.
“I feel very privileged and grateful to have competed at my second Paralympic Games. I will always keep trying to improve, on and off the court, and who knows what the future holds,” he stated.
