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The long and winding journey to the Tokyo Paralympic Games came to an end today for Wayne Phipps, who lost his first round match up against Munkhbat Aajim in today’s Judo action at the Tokyo Paralympics.
It was always going to be a tough ask. Aajim came to the tournament after placing 7th in the IBSA Judo Grand Prix in 2021 and was expected to perform well at these Paralympics.
But despite the toughest draw to get, Phipps remains proud and thankful for the opportunity to become a Paralympian.
As Australia’s sole representative, he travelled internationally against backdrop of the pandemic extensively, in a bid to qualify for his Paralympic dream.
“I think the moment we stepped out into the real competition venue, I think it hits home that this is it. It’s still sinking in,” he said.
“There’s a lot of nerves happening but once you grip (the opposition Judo Gi) and you’re in it the nerves sort of go away and the adrenaline sort of kicks in and takes over.”
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Phipps, while disappointed not to progress further, said just making the Paralympics was something he was very proud of.
“He (Aajim) was powerful and strong and I’ve got a couple of favourite throws that I just struggled to literally pull them off but I’m happy with just getting here and then giving that my best shot in that first fight, so I’ve got no regrets.”
Phipps hopes his appearance at the Paralympics can inspire others with a vision disability to get involved with Judo.
“Everyone has different expectations and goals. It could be someone going to their Judo club and just trying to compete in the local club competition as their initial goal and then possibly a state competition for example.
“Just go and start, make a start and go from there.”
With the Paris Paralympics just three years away in 2024, Phipps said he hadn’t quite thought that far ahead yet, but the experience of the Tokyo Games gave him plenty to think about.
“The vibe in the village and the Aussies and that team feeling I think will stay with me forever and ever and ever and there’ll always be that feeling I’ll take with me now and forever,” he said.
“You can’t explain that feeling to anyone and that will always have that thing in the back of my mind maybe another, maybe another, but for now I’m going to enjoy the rest of the Judo, enjoy supporting the rest of the Aussies in their sports, soak the rest of this journey and environment up as much as I can and then when I get back home and things get back to normal I’ll just reassess and see.”
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By: Paralympics Australia
Posted: 27 August 2021
