Charl du Toit shares his lockdown experience on Instagram Live

Two-time Paralympic champion talks to athletes and fans from home in South Africa 07 Apr 2020

A smiling man with the flag of South Africa around his shoulders

Charl du Toit of South Africa celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 400m T37 at the Rio 2016 Paralympics

ⒸFriedemann Vogel/Getty Images

By World Para Athletics

World Para Athletics is catching up with athletes on Instagram Live to hear what they have done to stay active and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa’s two-time Paralympic champion Charl du Toit was the first to join us on Instagram Live sharing his experience with athletes and fans.

“It was a great experience, I really enjoyed the opportunity to be on the [World Para Athletics] Instagram account specially in these challenging times,” said Du Toit after going live.

The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games to 2021 and put more than half of the world’s population on lockdown.

Du Toit spoke from home in South Africa’s administrative capital Pretoria where he has also been practicing.

“My favourite part of the chat was to help encouraging my fellow athletes, as it has been challenging for all ones,” he added. “I know the decision to postpone the Games in Tokyo was not an easy one, but I thank the IOC and the IPC for taking that decision.”

The 27-year-old said he was particularly interested to know how the other athletes are dealing with aspects of the lockdown that go far beyond training practices.

“It is one thing to show your physical capabilities, but the mental part plays such a big role too. I wanted to see how they are doing mentally and help with the questions they had, including what do for the rest of the year and how they can take it forward.”

For those who want to keep in touch, Du Toit said he is eager to help

“I really have a love for people, I just like to help them to be the best version of themselves. I love working with people, it is great to have an audience we can directly talk to and help them with the info they need.

You can find more about Charl du Toit career and achievements here.

Follow World Para Athletics Instagram account to catch up with the athletes and watch the next Instagram Live.