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Incredible Act Of Sportsmanship At Paralympics Goes Viral

Incredible Act Of Sportsmanship At Paralympics Goes Viral

Niels Vink looked up to Dylan Alcott while he was growing up, so it must have been a dream come true to be playing alongside him.

Anonymous

Anonymous

By Rebecca Shepherd

Australia's Dylan Alcott came out of his tennis singles semi-final match victorious before moving to his teenage opponent's side of the net and embracing the youngster.

Keeping his 'golden slam' dream alive, Alcott beat Dutch 18-year-old Niels Vink in a marathon match that lasted nearly three hours.

Channel 7

Despite fans being impressed by his performance, it was the act of sportsmanship afterwards that will be remembered.

The 30-year-old wheeled himself around to Vink's side of the court where the exhausted men shared an emotional hug.

According to reports, Vink has looked up to Alcott while he was growing up so it must have been a dream come true to be playing alongside him.

The live commentator also picked up on the moment saying that it left her in tears: "Great show of sportsmanship that is from both of them.

"Huge amount of respect there. It's making me come to tears here. What a great, great show of sportsmanship."

It turns out Alcott and Vink are actually pals as well. After the game, Alcott said: "He's half my age, what a little legend he is, Niels.

"I know he read my book growing up. I sent him a birthday video for his 18th (birthday). We're mates.

"When I hugged him at the end he was in tears. He wouldn't let go and I just said I was so proud of him, how well he played.

"I'm just so proud of him."

Anyone cutting onions? What a pair of LADs.

Alcott is now through to the final after a 6-4 3-6 6-4 scoreline in what he described as the 'best match I have ever been a part of', adding: "It was special."

It won't be the last time they play against each other either because on Wednesday Alcott and partner Heath Davidson will face Vink and his teammate Sam Schroder in the Paralympic quad wheelchair doubles final.

Alcott has a few titles under his belt, he won the Australian Open and the French Open earlier this year.

He will also be competing in the US Open and still has the chance to complete a golden slam which is where all five major events in 2021 are won.

Featured Image Credit: Channel 7

Topics: Aussie, Tennis, Dylan Alcott, tokyo paralympics, Paralympics, Australia