Wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott has won the prestigious Victorian Institute of Sport Award of Excellence.
The basketball-turn tennis champion was awarded the top gong after a stirring 12 months that includes wins at the Australian and US Opens.
The 24-year-old Victorian is one of Australia’s most talented athletes and admired competitors. Alcott was born with a tumour wrapped around his spinal cord, which left him a paraplegic and wheelchair-bound for life, but it hasn’t stopped him from becoming a champion of Australian sport.
At 17, Alcott became the youngest ever gold medal winner for wheelchair basketball at the Paralympic Games. Four years later, he won silver at the London Games.
Last year, Alcott returned to the tennis court, where he was once ranked inside the top five juniors in the world at age 16. He rocketed up the world rankings to reach World Number 1 in the singles quads, and picked up twin Grand Slam honours along the way.
Our world-class athletes inspire us and give us all a sense of pride, especially on the world stage. The Andrews Labor Government is proud to be donating $575,000 to the Australian Olympic Team Appeal, so that our athletes have the support they need to succeed at the Rio Olympics and Paralympic Games.
The VIS is where Victoria’s most talented crop of emerging stars become elite, and they deserve every opportunity to succeed, no matter where they live.
The Labor Government’s Athlete Pathway Travel Grants Program helps athletes from regional and remote areas with travel costs to attend training camps and competitions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren
“Dylan Alcott is one of Australia’s most talented athletes and admired competitors.”
“Dylan’s transition from the basketball court to the tennis court has been nothing short of remarkable. He truly is a Victorian sporting champion.”
“Our champion athletes give us all a sense of pride. We’re committed to giving them the help and support they need on the road to Rio.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021