Paralympian Launches Life Story. Former British wheelchair tennis player Louise Hunt Skelley PLY has launched her first book ‘What’s Wrong With You? Redefining What’s Possible. Unapologetically & Unstoppable’.
Louise, who lives in Wroughton, has spent months writing her story. In it she shares her journey from being born in Wanborough near Swindon. In it she describes her total acceptance by her family for her vibrant personality and sheer determination to succeed. She then moves on to going to secondary school and then finding out that she was ‘disabled’ a word she’d not heard before.
She learned very fast that, to be all she wanted to be, she was going to have to be a rebel and kick against society’s narrow definition of what a ‘disabled person’ can do. In this she followed in the footsteps of her parents, Linda and Tim. They’ve never considered Louise to be anything other than remarkable and full of potential.
The book, which doesn’t hold back and is a ‘warts and all’ story, shares how she became a successful road wheelchair racer. Further, why she chose to go into wheelchair tennis and how she made her way to the top ten players in the world at the height of her career.
Launch
Louise launched her book to an audience of family and friends at The Ridgeway Barns on October 15th. Near Liddington, this is a place close to Louise’s heart. It was here that she played with her brother and spent many happy hours in her childhood.
‘My book has been within me for many years. It’s enabled me to talk about the people who’ve changed my life and know I hope my story will change the life of someone else.
I’ve been as honest as I can be. My story is about the people who supported me and believed in me. And I do feel that this is one of my greatest achievements in my career so far – something I was able to do with the support of my publisher Asha Clearwater.’
Louise, born with Spina Bifida, has transitioned from a decorated playing career as a world class wheelchair tennis player to commentary and tournament directing. She is one of Wiltshire’s most accomplished athletes, having represented Great Britain at the London and Rio Paralympics.
An illustrious career
Over her impressive career, Louise has:
- Competed in 13 world team cups
- Won 13 senior singles titles
- 41 senior doubles titles
- and achieved a career-high world ranking of 10.
After retiring from competitive sports in 2021, Louise has continued to affect the world of wheelchair tennis and business through her various roles as:
- An inclusivity expert and consultant
- A tennis commentator and tournament director
- Professional speaker and, now, author.
What’s Wrong With You? Redefining What’s Possible. Unapologetically & Unstoppable’ is published by Turquoise Tiger Press run by Asha Clearwater. You can find it here https://louisehunt.co.uk/my-book/
- Competed in 13 world team cups
- Won 13 senior singles titles
- 41 senior doubles titles
- and achieved a career-high world ranking of 10.
