Johnson-Dwyer pleased to be back in the saddle at Tokyo Games

After a troubled build-up to the Games, veteran dressage rider Philippa Johnson-Dwyer was relieved just to be in action on Thursday, on the second day of competition at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Last year, Johnson-Dwyer was unable to ride for seven months. First, she fell ill and needed open heart surgery, and then she was diagnosed with cancer, which required chemotherapy.

The 47-year-old South African recovered sufficiently, however, to finish eighth in the Grade 4 individual test at the Tokyo showpiece, riding Just in Time, with a score of 69.780.

“It was a tough build-up and I think I really underestimated what chemo does to your body,” Johnson-Dwyer said after progressing to the individual freestyle test, to be held on Monday.

“But I’ve had the most exquisite team of people around me and everyone has done absolutely everything in their power to get me here.

“So the honour of being here, and being fit enough to ride, is a blessing.”

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Her 20-year-old compatriot, Cayla van der Walt, took 11th place (66.643) in the Grade 5 individual test.

Van der Walt, riding Daturo II, did not qualify for the freestyle test.

Earlier yesterday, Theo Cogill lost 3-0 to Carlos Alberto Carbinatti of Brazil in his second group match of the men’s Class 10 table tennis competition.

“It’s quite tough playing in these conditions, on the biggest stage with nerves and all, and I think I just lacked momentum,” Cogill said.

“I had my chances in the first and second sets, but I struggled with the conditions in the hall. But I tried my best.”

Cogill was set to face Mateo Boheas of France in his last group match on Friday.