Able: Gold Medals, Grand Slams and Smashing Glass Ceilings

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The incredible life of an astonishing athlete

Dylan Alcott has never let his disability get in the way of what he wanted to achieve. His family treated him no differently to any other kid, and it was the best thing they ever did. Growing up, Dylan always had a positive attitude to life. So when he discovered sport, he'd have a go at anything and could always be found at the centre of the action, giving his best and playing to win. Then he tried wheelchair basketball and tennis and was hooked.

Fast forward ten years or so, and the now three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Order of Australia recipient, Grand Slam tennis champion and philanthropist combines elite sport with a love for music (he's a triple j radio announcer and is famous for his crowd surfing). But Dylan's greatest passion is changing the way those with disabilities are perceived, and to inspire young people - whether they have disabilities or are able-bodied - to achieve their dreams. It's a passion that drives him every day of his life.

In Able, Dylan shares his story. It's the tale of someone who's proud of who he is, who has a go, does everything with heart and soul, who always sees the upside and never takes himself too seriously. As inspiring, honest and funny as its author, Able proves that for every one thing you can't do, there are 10,000 other things that you can.

About the author (2018)

Dylan Alcott OAM is an Australian Paralympic gold medallist in two sports -- wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. He is also a radio host, television personality, keynote presenter and motivational speaker, entrepreneur, music festival owner and philantropist. Dylan has competed in three Paralympics, winning gold and silver for wheelchair basketball in 2008 and 2012, and two gold medals at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 for wheelchair tennis. The current world No 1 in wheelchair tennis, Dylan has won nine Grand Slam singles tournaments, including two US Opens, five Australian Opens, and Wimbledon and the French Open in 2019. In 2017 he founded the Dylan Alcott Foundation, which focuses on helping young Australians who feel marginalised because of their disability fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams.

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