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Wayne Phipps will become the first Australian judoka to compete at a Paralympics since 2008 when he takes to the mat at Nippon Budokan, the home of martial arts in Japan, on Day 3 of the Tokyo Paralympics.
When asked what it’s like to compete for Australia, Phipps said: “It’s incredible.”
“The support I’ve had from Paralympics Australia from the start, just to say let’s give this guy a go and see what he can do, was amazing for me,” he said.
“I’ve never, ever had any kind of support, ever in my life. That for me was a game changer, to have someone who believes in me.
“The opportunity I’ve got here I would have never had previously and if I hadn’t moved [to Australia] in 2010 this would not have happened, that’s a guarantee. I’m grateful for being here.”
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His round 1 match-up is against Mongolia’s Munkhbat Aajim, who competed at London 2012 (in the 60kg class) and Rio 2016 (in the 66kg class). Phipps knows it’s a tough first match against a more experienced competitor, but after the nerves settle in the first 60 seconds, history shows it can be anyone’s fight.
Aajim is part of a very strong Mongolian training program where able-bodied and Para-athletes train together. He is ranked in the top 10. He has a higher ranking but if Phipps can execute his match plan the result can go his way.
Getting through the first round is just the start however, with the world No. 1 waiting for the winner in the quarter finals.
Phipps won’t leave it to chance. He’s fought hard to get here and he’ll give it everything he’s got on the mat on Friday.
The men’s 66kg elimination round starts at 11.30am AEST, with Phipps first up on mat 2. Winners of the 1st round go through to the quarter finals before the repechage and finals.
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By: Jodie Hawkins, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 26 August 2021
