The comeback of Theo Cogill: How a table tennis star overcame a stabbing to rule the courts

When his cousin spent afternoons at the Bonteheuwel community centre playing table tennis, Theo Cogill joined him and fell in love with the sport.

However, his life changed forever in 2011. Cogill was on track to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics when he was stabbed in the neck and spine while attempting to break up a fight.

“When I learned about my injury, a crushed spinal cord, I thought I'd never be able to get back onto the table. I had severe damage to my spine and a loss of sensation on one side of my body, which is called Brown-Séquard syndrome, a very rare condition. I thought my career just ended,” said Cogill.

He told Eyewitness News that while the physical therapy was gruelling, the mental hurdle was far more taxing; yet, he refused to give up on himself.

“During rehab, which I managed myself, it was honestly draining me mentally. I didn't know what the outcome would be, but I kept pushing myself. I started to believe that sooner or later I'll be back on the table. It took a tremendous amount of self-discipline and mental strength, forcing myself when it seemed impossible and always hoping to make small improvements. I've always said to myself, I'm going to make it back. I don't know how, but I'll keep pushing.”

The 39-year-old transitioned from being a force in the able-bodied scene to a fierce Paralympic competitor following the stabbing incident. He made his debut at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where he reached the bronze medal match, ultimately finishing fourth.

“When I came back from the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics, I told myself I would give it one last try. In my imagination, I'm telling myself I can still medal at these games if I continue training, stay focused, and push myself a little bit harder. I'm sure I can achieve it.”

In 2023, he represented South Africa at the ITTF World Championships on home soil after becoming the South African Men’s Singles Champion by defeating former champion Kurt Lingeveldt.

“Competing in the world table tennis championships was a dream come true. Throughout the years, I've always hoped that we could host a world championships on home soil—not only for me personally, but also for the exposure, so we could experience table tennis at the highest level.”

The professional athlete, who won a gold medal at the Taichung Table Tennis Open in Taiwan and a bronze at the 2015 African Championships in Morocco, says being based at a high-performance centre in Pretoria for the past six years has helped improve his tactical game. He believes opportunities like this are essential for developing the sport in South Africa.

“I've learned so much in a short space of time. Having an academy and possibly an international coach based there is the first step. We need a place where players can fully concentrate on table tennis, with training facilities and a permanent venue where local coaches can also learn.”