Close to 20 years of penning her life story has come to fruition for Stellenbosch para-cyclist Toni Mould.

The 42-year-old launched her autobiography, Breaking the Mould, at Die Stal at Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch at the end of May – a milestone achievement for the Simonsrust resident.

The book, which is co-authored by Nicky de Beer, is self-published – a true heart project that “needed the right team at the right time” to bring it to fulfilment.

“The book has always been in my mind. I knew I wasn’t living an ‘ordinary life’ and my story, when eventually told, would bring hope and awareness to those reading it,” Mould says.

“It tells my story from my birth throughout my school and varsity years, and into adulthood as a person with a disability. It also follows my sports journey through the highs and lows, from its surprising start to the ultimate sports festival – the Paralympics.”

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True to the title

Mould, originally from Plettenberg Bay, was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy as a result of a lack of oxygen at birth. It affects her speech, balance, coordination and muscle movements, and also causes chronic fatigue and pain among others, making everyday activities like dressing, eating and moving around challenging.

But this has not stopped her from living her life to the fullest. Mould moved to the Cape Winelands to study social work at Stellenbosch University in 2004. She took up cycling in 2014.

Eikestadnuus previously reported on her participation in the 2020/2021 Paralympics in Tokyo, as well as her successes at national and provinical races, eight UCI Paracycling Road World Cups and three World Championships over the last 11 years.

She rates winning a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships and her participation in Tokyo as two of her finest moments in the saddle – a testiment to Mould not allowing her disability to hold her down.

On her tricycle, she continues to push the boundaries, having overcome a shoulder injury suffered in 2024 and just returning from participating in two World Cups in Belgium and Italy.

Appeals to all

“The title [of the book] is both a play on my surname and a good description of my life,” Mould relates. “I have broken most ideas or moulds that many would have put on my life by doing things people would not have expected me to do or by exceeding expectations.”

She met De Beer through her previous co-author Lourieke Haller. “We needed someone with more time to work on the book,” Mould explains. “Nicky is a great writer and has a son with disabilities.”

De Beer adds: “By the time we were halfway through our first meeting, my heart was already in project. The volume of notes, journal entries and blog excerpts was initially overwhelming – decades of memories and experiences waiting to be crafted into a story that would do justice to Toni’s incredible courage and determination, and the many challenges she has overcome.”

What’s more, working on the manuscript shifted De Beer’s view of her son’s challenges. “It made me realise how much more still needs to be done before we can consider ourselves an inclusive society and strengthened my faith in unimaginable ways.”

Breaking the Mould will appeal to a vast readership, Mould points out, as it can bring hope and encouragement to individuals touched by disability, while the sporting and overcoming-the-odds elements will draw others. “There’s also a journey of faith, healing, finding your passion and community, as well as forging a path for yourself despite having the odds stacked against you,” she relates.

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Labour of love

The writing process saw Mould sending her “chapters” to De Beer, who in turn “recrafted” her work to the final product. The determined cyclist is quick to point out that the process had its challenges, one of them being her “slow and tiresome” typing speed.

“It also took a couple of years to find the right team to help complete the project. Recounting a life that has had many tough and good times wasn’t always easy, as you almost relive those times as you write,” she says.

“Nicky is also a full-time carer for her son, so she had to work before he woke up or after he went to bed at night.”

The pair started the writing journey in February last year, and received the completed manuscript from their editor this January.

After the launch event, Mould hopes to host future gatherings to market Breaking the Mould, but as it is self-published she hopes more doors will open for her to get the necessary exposure.

While she is using the book’s Facebook page to sell it at present, online sales are in the pipeline while she also hopes bookstores will be willing to stock the read.

Future awaits

As the off-season and winter is in full swing, Mould aims to slow down, work on her general health and fitness, and hop in the saddle for fun rides with her friends. “Around October, hard training for next year’s racing season will start, if I have the team and sponsors to do so,” she says.

And what’s next for Toni Mould the author?

“She has some hard work ahead of her, marketing and selling the book! I didn’t write it to sit in my house, so promoting and getting the book in as many hands as possible is my mission. There are rumours of a second book, but we’ll have to see how book one sells first.”

To get your hands on a copy of Breaking the Mould, visit the Facebook page or send an email directly to Mould on breakingthemould2026@gmail.com.