Taking on Tokyo

From the mat to across the ocean, wrestling duo and Alton High graduates Antonia and Antoine Phillips will be representing Team USA at the upcoming Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan this Nov. Decorated wrestlers, the Phillips are excited to compete for their country and promote awareness for deaf athletics.

Both siblings boast accomplished high school careers in their sport. Antonia was named the Illinois High School Association Girl’s Wrestling State Champion her junior year, and Antoine qualified for the Freshman-Sophomore Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association state tournament. 

“They both came into high school with loads of talent,” Alton High wrestling coach Eric Roberson said. “It is very gratifying to see some of our former wrestlers move on to a high level of competition.”

Tryouts for the Deaflympics took place over the summer of 2024, with the Phillips being selected based on their performance, commitment and potential. They now spend time each day training both mentally and physically for the biggest competition of their lives. Antoine Phillips, who will be competing for the men’s team at the Deaflympics, shares his excitement at being able to compete with his sister once again.

“Wrestling alongside my sister at this level is something few people ever get to experience. It’s an honor. We push each other, support each other, and share the same dream.” Antoine said.

According to www.deaflympics.com, the Deaflympics is an elite international event for deaf and hard of hearing athletes. Just like the world-famous Olympics, competitions are held in the summer and winter, with World Championship Deaflympics occurring every four years. 

The Phillips will be competing in the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan. The games begin Saturday, Nov. 15 and end on Wednesday Nov. 26. Approximately 3,000 athletes will be competing from over 80 countries worldwide. 

Despite the pressure of representing their country at the international level, the siblings share excitement for the opportunity.

“I want to win a gold medal,” Antoine Phillips said. “I want to be a role model for young athletes, especially deaf, and show them what’s possible.”

Antonia Phillips, who will be competing for the women’s team, reflects how the community has come together to help support their journey to Tokyo.

“It means a lot, knowing that we’re not doing this alone.” Antonia said.

The Phillips family currently has a gofundme page called Support Phillips Siblings on Their Journey. It’s dedicated to funding Antonia and Antoine’s trip to Tokyo. Any donations or words of support are appreciated, and more information about their wrestling careers can be found on the site. 

“I’ve always learned to adapt and advocate for myself,” Antonia Phillips said. “My coaches and interpreter have been great with supporting me.”

While both athletes have expressed difficulties that come with being a deaf wrestler, they agree that the challenge has never been anything they couldn’t overcome.

“I want to show that all the hard work was worth it,” Antoine Phillips said. “I hope that seeing that alumni from Alton are competing on the world stage can inspire current students.”