Alcott named Australian of the Year

Tennis ace Dylan Alcott OAM has been named the 2022 Australian of the Year.

Alcott, was born with a tumour wrapped around his spinal cord.

The 31-year-old has been recognised for his work as a Paralympian, philanthropist, media commentator and advocate.

In 2017, he founded the Dylan Alcott Foundation to provide scholarships and grant funding to Australians with a disability.

He also founded AbilityFest, the nation’s first and only fully accessible music festival.

Alcott began his athletic career in wheelchair basketball, switching sports to now tennis. He now has 23 quad wheelchair grand slams and also a Newcombe Medal, and is the first male in history to win a Golden Slam in any form of tennis.

"I've been in a wheelchair my whole life … I've known nothing but having a disability," Alcott said.

"If I'm honest with you, I can't tell you how much I used to hate myself. I used to hate having a disability. I hated being different."

"The last two years have been so tough on so many people and I feel honestly ridiculous being here,"

IMAGE: FILE