Dylan Martin Alcott, AO is an Australian wheelchair tennis player wins the Australian of the year award 2022. Dylan is a basketball player, motivational speaker and also radio host. With this award, he made history. He is the first person with a disability to be made Australian of the year in the award’s 62-year history. 

Dylan Martin Alcott contribution to sports 

Though Dylan is recognized for his contribution as an athlete, a Paralympian, he is also well known for his philanthropy work, advocacy for disabled persons, and media person. Expressing his views about the award, Dylan said, ‘’ to be named Australian of the year and to get it for not just being good at tennis but for the work off the court… my purpose 10 years ago, yesterday, today, and as Australian of the year, it’s never changed.’’ 

In the 2021 Paralympics, Alcott completed the Golden slam in quad singles, winning all four majors. Additionally, he has won a separate non-calendar-year Grand slam in quad singles between the years 2018 and 2019. His foundation named ‘’ Dylan Alcott Foundation’’ is working for Australian youth facing issues, and working for their better future. 

Also, he added that people with disability deserve to live the life they deserve. It’s not a tennis tournament. It’s all about the change of perceptions about disabled people. 

Dylan said, ‘’ To be given that honour, to hold that platform to be able to do that, it’s huge, and I’m just so grateful… it’s unbelievable..’’ 

Dylan attributed his friend saying ‘’Tame Leaves big shoes to fill’’

Dylan paid tribute to his friend and predecessor Grace Tame saying she had left ‘’’ big shoes’’ to fill for him. Mr Alcott said, ‘’Tame is a weapon. Like, she’s fierce and I love that, and the change that she’s had for her cause has been so impressive.’’ 

 Tame Grace is an Australian activist and advocate for sexual assets, particularly those abused in an institutional setting. And also a former winner of the Australian award of the year 2021. Dylan said,’’ She set the bar high and they’re big shoes to fill. So I hope I can do it justice, that’s for sure.”

Moreover, Dylan believes that it’s important to change perceptions of people about disabilities, and for which he lives. And he promises to fight for this cause forever. He said,  

“And, yeah, I’ll fight. Australian of the Year or not, I’ll fight for that forever.”