Top Aussie Wheelchair Tennis Players – Daniela Di Toro
Daniela Di Toro is a name synonymous with sheer determination and achieving excellence in the sporting world.
Here at Ultra Courts, we truly believe that Paralympian and Australian tennis champion Daniela Di Toro’s journey to becoming a celebrated athlete is both inspiring and remarkable.
Despite all her on court success, there’s more to Daniela Di Toro than meets the eye. Not only has she been a dynamite on a tennis court, but Di Toro spent a decade working in youth services before also becoming a Chinese medicine practitioner. But there’s no denying her heart certainly lies deeply rooted in the world of tennis. Let’s find out more about this amazing athlete.
A true champion
Daniela Di Toro was born on October 16, 1974 in Melbourne. Her foray into the sporting world began early on in her life when she was given a tennis racquet for her eighth birthday. She was an active kid, who also took part in other sports including athletics and basketball. But at the age of 13, Di Toro’s life changed forever during a school swimming carnival when a brick wall collapsed, resulting in the loss of the use of her legs.
Rather than let it restrict her, Di Toro, who was inspired by Australian wheelchair basketballer Sandy Blythe, found a way to make it happen and worked her way up through the tennis rankings. Di Toro is a seven-time Paralympian, 2010 French Open doubles champ, a former singles world number one and also won each of wheelchair tennis’ four biggest events, the Australian, British, Japan and US opens. Adding to her list of achievements, Di Toro also nabbed silver In Sydney at the 2000 Paralympic Games and then bronze In Athens in 2004.
Big achievements
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Di Toro has been a big figure in promoting Paralympic sports and athlete welfare. Her dedication to athlete wellbeing also led to her appointment as Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Engagement and Wellbeing Officer in 2017.
Di Toro’s resilience and contributions to sport have been recognised, including being named Australian Paralympian of the Year in 1999 and receiving the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
Retirement and returning to sport
Di Toro retired from wheelchair tennis following the London 2012 Paralympic Games but made a comeback a few years later, this time in the sport of para-table tennis. She served as co-captain of the Australian Paralympic Team in both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games and was given the big honour, alongside dual wheelchair rugby gold medallist Ryley Batt, as a flag bearer during the Tokyo opening ceremony.
Daniela Di Toro’s story continues to inspire many, reflecting the profound impact of determination and support in overcoming adversity and achieving excellence in sports.
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