After being told she would not make the team, the South African paracyclist fought back to earn her place at the Tokyo Paralympics and now turns her focus to the road ahead in 2026.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (02 March 2026) – When the selection letter for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics finally arrived, Toni Mould could not contain herself.
“Tears were flowing in that moment.”
For Toni, that moment changed everything and she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
“So much work, discipline and belief had gone into it just to get me to that starting point. It was almost utter relief in that moment that the hard work and pushing through despite been told about nine months earlier that I would not be selected for the team hadn’t been in vain.”
The journey began long before Tokyo. Born with Cerebral Palsy, which affects her balance, speech and motor skills, she loved sport from a young age but could not participate in the way she wanted to.
“From a young age I had a keen interest in sports but could not participate due to my disability. Then, one day around the age of 12, one of my teachers prophesied that one day I would go to the Paralympics. It took a number of years for me to believe the prophecy but eventually I did and started to work towards it despite the fact that many thought it was impossible.”
Cycling started as something simple.
“I started cycling just as a way to keep fit and broadened my social circle not thinking it would lead to competitive racing, but an amazing team came around me and made it possible for me to pursue my dreams.”
One of the defining moments of her career came at the 2017 World Championships, where she won silver in the road race, though the medal almost never happened.
Related Stories
Security Officer Brings Calm to Woman Stranded on Dangerous Botha’s Hill Bend
South Africa Makes Canoe Polo History at World Championships“I was way behind, had almost been crashed into by a car, and another tricycle had actually crashed into me on a different section of the lap. I was so close to pulling myself from that race.”
But she didn’t.
“The lessons in that race showed me I had the mental aptitude for racing and the ability to push through.”
That resilience was tested again in 2024 when injuries and increased pain forced her to step away from the sport.
“There was a time I really thought I might never race again. I am incredibly incredibly thankful that a small team of people stood by me.”
Living and competing with Cerebral Palsy requires constant balance. Toni firmly believes that if it were not for her cycling, she would possibly be back in a wheelchair permanently by now. Staying active on the bike and in the gym helps reduce her pain, keeps her muscles and joints strong, and prevents other injuries and health issues. Although it remains a fine balance to manage.
Now, her focus shifts to 2026. On 8 March, she will take part in the 42km Cape Town Cycle Tour before heading to Europe for two UCI Road World Cups in Belgium and Italy.
View this post on Instagram
She will not be carrying the journey alone. Renita from Renita Physiotherapy will travel with her for the entire European tour, not only as a sponsor of Toni’s ongoing therapy but also as her carer. Sean Quin from Maties Gym (another of her sponsors), one of her trainers, will join her for the second World Cup in Italy, all forming part of a dedicated team. They represent people who believe in her vision and are willing to share both the workload and the sacrifice that comes with competing at elite level as a self-funded South African paracyclist.
Her upcoming autobiography, “Breaking the Mould – Called, Chosen, Courageous”, will unpack the full journey. From a teacher’s prophecy to the Paralympic stage. Also tracing the moments of doubt, faith, setback and resilience that shaped her both as an athlete and as a person.
And at the heart of it all is the truth about what the sport has given her.
“I firmly believe that if it wasn’t for my cycling I would possibly be back in a wheelchair permanently by now.”
Call to Community
She still needs R30,000 for her upcoming European World Cups, and anyone who wishes to support her journey can follow her crowdfunding page here.
Sources: GTG Interview
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 
Excellent read! I’ve been exploring similar ideas at Institute of Physical and Sport Sciences and your perspective adds great value.