SOUTH African Paralympic shotputter and Warner Beach resident Tyrone Pillay (38) has learnt grit and tenacity as he to achieved a top 10 position internationally for seven years in a row.
The high-achieving sportsman was born with a birth defect, which saw him lose his left leg.
This never slowed his ability to conquer anything he set his mind to.
Tyrone now resides in Warner Beach after growing up in Durban’s Reservoir Hills.
Tyrone holds a B.Com degree, having majored in business management and information technology. Working for Toyota SA Motors, he is fastidious about training six days of the week.
“I always played sport. I played cricket for 14 years before I went into athletics,” he explained. “I started shotput in 2009 at the age of 29. I love the strength and technical aspects of shotput. I have always been into strength and what better than throwing shotput for your country.”
Tyrone took shotput seriously from the moment he decided he wanted to compete, in 2009.
“It was a long journey, as it required a lot to get to the next level,” he said. “Most importantly, I had to have the belief and drive to see my goals clearly enough and work towards them.”
The athlete constantly reminds himself that he’s not the most talented, but he constantly works hard and dedicates himself to everything he tackles.
Commenting on what earning a South African title for Paralympic shotput has taught him, Tyrone explained:
“Paralympics itself has taught me to respect everyone for who they are and not look at people differently. Hard work and dedication always pay off and dreams do come true. It’s the highest level that a disabled athlete can compete at, so it’s the highest possible honour.”
Some of the highlights of the shotputter’s sporting career include achieving a bronze medal at the Rio Paralympics (2016), holding the SA record and African record, earning a gold medal at the All African Games (Congo, 2015) and earning bragging rights to placing top 10 in the world for seven consecutive years.
“Winning the bronze medal in Rio was the greatest sporting achievement thus far and it will stay with me forever,” he shared. “I can’t explain the feeling of standing on the podium and representing South Africa so proudly.” The athlete did plans to retire after the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, to focus on other aspects of life.
Tyrone’s typical training takes place six days of the week and includes three gym sessions, five track sessions, pilates once a week and cardio twice a week.
He currently has his sights set on the SA champs in Stellenbosch in March, and the World champs in Dubai in November.
“If I live by one quote, which I constantly remind myself of, it’s: If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it,” he said.
Tyrone extended gratitude to his family, who he cannot express in words what they mean to him. “They have always stood by me, believed in me and given me all that I could ever ask for. I will always love them and make them proud,” he said.
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