Mould's book a positive reference to what is possible

Para-cyclist Toni Mould has always exuded the spirit and determination that is a characteristic of those in the para sport community and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympian is promoting her life story in book form after having it published in June.

“The book has always been in my mind. I knew I wasn’t living an ‘ordinary life’ and my story, when eventually told, would bring hope and awareness to those reading it,” Mould said.

“It tells my story from my birth throughout my school and varsity years, and into adulthood as a person with a disability. It also follows my sports journey through the highs and lows, from its surprising start to the Paralympics.”

In the book she speaks of her involvement with SASAPD. “When you turned 12, you could choose your sport and start competing in events like the SASAPD (South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled) Championships. I remember doing interhouse competitions at the University of Port Elizabeth’s track near our school and thinking that, within a few years, I’d be competing for my province on that very track. I could not wait,” she writes of being introduced to the federation.

She later goes on to write: “… In March, I was invited to compete in the SASAPD National Championship – something I had dreamed of since racing around boarding school on my first trike. Normally, only junior para-cyclists could enter, but that year, senior riders were invited as well, to encourage the juniors. I treated the event as a simulation for the upcoming World Cups, which I had already been selected for, and loved racing in a local competition exclusively for para-athletes. It felt good to tick that off my bucket list.”

Mould, originally from Plettenberg Bay, was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy as a result of a lack of oxygen at birth. It affects her speech, balance, coordination and muscle movements, and also causes chronic fatigue and pain among others, making everyday activities like dressing, eating and moving around challenging.

The book, which is co-authored by Nicky de Beer, is self-published. To obtain a copy find it on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584626825596&sk=mentions

or email breakingthemould2026@gmail.com