#TuksAthletics: Daniel Du Plessis hopes to inspire during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in Japan

Posted on August 29, 2021

Daniel du Plessis made a decision eight years ago to amputate his legs. It changed his life as he will be making his Paralympic debut when he lines up to race the men's 100m T64 in Tokyo.  

The 27-year old Tuks based athlete was born with a limb deficiency in both legs due to fibular hemimelia. However, he never allowed his disability to "slow" him down. At the Primary School level, he played rugby and tennis. When he went to High School, he played hockey. But in Grade 10, he had to stop. 

"It just got too painful to run. I had continuous pain in my legs because my body got to be too heavy. So I stopped doing sport. After matric, I made the decision to amputate my legs. It meant I had to relearn how to walk. 

"I never thought I would ever run. But about three years ago, I got this urge to run.  So I started to do athletics. Then, as I started getting stronger and more confident in my newfound abilities, a whole new adventure began," says du Plessis.

Last year, he ran a 21km trail run across Table Mountain. The most challenging part was going uphill. According to him, blades are made for running, not climbing, but he enjoyed every stride once he got to the top. 

"I want to show that I am capable of doing amazing things. You don't need legs to run across a mountain or to be fast. You only got to have the guts and will to do it." 

During the SA Sports for the Physically Disabled National Championships in Gqeberha, du Plessis set a South African record winning the 400 metres in the T62-class running 52.41s. It is the fifth-fastest time in the world this season. He was fourth in the 400 metres during the 2019 World Championships. 

The Tuks based athlete sees his participation in the 100 metres (T64) as gaining experience. His main objective is to qualify for the 400-metre final. If he does, he believes that anything can happen. 

When asked if he has any advice for people who battle to overcome a severe setback, du Plessis said it is essential to make peace with one's disability. 

"I am who I am. I decided a long time ago I am not going to hide my disability. I'd instead show it to the world. That is why I am participating in sport. When you get ready to compete, you are forced to expose yourself to people. So you can't be ashamed of who you are. I feel empowered when I line up with my blades to race.

The BCom Actuarial Science graduate, du Plessis, is competing in the men's 100m T64 on Sunday.

- Author Wilhelm De Swardt

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