Latest news with #DylanAlcott
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Wimbledon maverick reveals Sir Alex Ferguson phone call still gives him goosebumps
A SIR ALEX FERGUSON phone call in 2016 still gives British wheelchair tennis ace Andy Lapthorne goosebumps. The legendary ex- Manchester United boss called Lapthorne ahead of the 2016 Paralympic games in Rio. The 34-year-old credits the call for life changing results, according to a recent interview with The Times. He said: "That phone call is still giving me goosebumps." Lapthorne - who has cerebral palsy which affects his ability to stand for extend periods or fully straighten his arms - competes in wheelchair tennis in quad singles and doubles events . He has been ranked no.1 in the world in quad singles, and is a 16-time Grand Slam winner in quad doubles, a record he will attempt to improve at Wimbledon next month. By the time of the call, Lapthorne already had one singles and five doubles Grand Slam wins - but it was not a great tennis players that Ferguson compared him to. Lapthorne continued: "We chatted about Eric Cantona, because he had been told what I was like, a bit of a maverick. "He was talking about embracing that, but also about listening to people that know me." The call was not the end of Sir Alex's support of Lapthorne, who received an email of encouragement from the iconic manager following his semi-final victory later in the tournament. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 2 Sir Alex's call spurred the Brit all the way to the finals in Rio, where he was eventually defeated in straight sets by Australian Dylan Alcott. The winning influence did not fade with that loss though, as Lapthorne went on to become a serial winner in wheelchair tennis, especially in the quad doubles. He remains the fourth ranked player in quad singles, and the third ranked player in quad doubles. Earlier this week he brought home silverware in both disciplines on home soil at the Eastbourne Open - continuing to prove Sir Alex's advice right after almost a decade. Lapthorne will take to the Wimbledon court with tennis partner Greg Slade next month to attempt to win his third doubles trophy at the event, having last won it in 2021.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Rumours about Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott's relationship with sexologist Chantelle Otten become the talk of Melbourne... now they tell us what's REALLY going on
Former Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott first laid eyes on his girlfriend Chantelle Otten at a book signing for his inspirational memoir, Able, in 2018. The Dutch sexologist was dragged to the event by a friend and had no idea who the Paralympian was - but she knew the moment she saw him that it was love.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Surfing icon Mick Fanning opens up about his chances of coming out of retirement - and the everyday task he loves since quitting the tour
Aussie surfing legend Mick Fanning has lived a life few could imagine - but it turns out simple pleasures such as the after-school run are now top of his to-do list. Speaking ahead of his annual Charity Golf Day at the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club on June 13, the three-time world champion is loving life away from the gruelling professional tour - and the 43-year-old has no plans to emulate fellow icon Kelly Slater. Remarkably, Slater is still competing at 53. 'I definitely don't have itchy feet,' Fanning, who stepped aside from WSL events in 2018, told Daily Mail Australia. 'When I was on the tour, I threw everything into my performance. 'I've competed as a wildcard in a few events, but I'm definitely happy to be retired, I've got plenty of life projects to focus on.' One of those projects is the Mick Fanning Charity Golf Day, which sees plenty of Aussie A-list stars take part. The likes of Dylan Alcott, Sally Pearson, Ellyse Perry, Pat Rafter and Karl Stefanovic are expected on the greens this Friday, with the focus securing much-needed funds for those in need. 'Since 2022, we have raised almost $2million, which is something I am very proud of,' the Gold Coaster said. 'I'm not much of a golfer myself, I just like having a hit with my mates. 'Knowing it is for such a good cause, that motivates me.' Fanning will also 'celebrate' the 10-year anniversary of his infamous shark attack this July, where he became a global sensation. Competing at J-Bay in South Africa on July 19 in 2015, Fanning fought off a great white when competing in the final against his great mate Julian Wilson - and lived to tell the tale. The vision was seen by millions - and Fanning knows it is the first question on many people's lips when they meet him. 'I've dealt with it, I've moved on,' he said. 'It was a big incident at the time, I get it is a talking point. It was a crazy moment.' In 2016, Fanning - along with fellow surfers Joel Parkinson, Josh Kerr and Bede Durbidge - founded Balter Brewing. The windfall has been staggering, with Carlton United Breweries (CUB) eventually buying out the brand three years later. It is rumoured the return was around $200million - not bad for a bunch of laidback surfers. Born in Penrith, the die-hard Panthers fan has watched on with pride as Ivan Cleary's men have created a dynasty in the NRL after winning four successive premierships dating back to 2021. Much like his own career in the ocean, Fanning linked their sustained success to incredible athleticism, seizing big moments and calling on an expert coaching staff. And when it comes to the future of professional surfing, 'White Lightning' is excited. 'The world has evolved so much since I was on tour... look at sports science and how professional everyone is,' he said. Now a father of two, Fanning loves the daily drop off - and after school activities on the Gold Coast 'Adding surfing to the Olympics has also been great... sponsors are now getting behind athletes as they compete on the ultimate stage. 'I can only see the sport going to another level.' A father of two, Fanning loves the daily drop-off - and after school activities, one of which naturally for his son Xander, is surfing. He also has a daughter, Lyla Skye.
