It is with great pleasure that we announce that Danni Di Toro is the latest inductee into our Hall of Fame. Danni’s achievements across a number of years (see brief bio below) speak for themselves. Equally important are Danni’s contribution to our club culture and values as well as the enthusiasm with which she promotes our club externally.
The award was presented to Danni by Jim Kilderry, our inaugural Hall of Fame inductee.
Congratulations, Danni!
Danni Di Toro
Eight-time Paralympian Danni Di Toro is a seasoned veteran, having competed at the Paralympic Games since 1996. Danni made her international debut in 1989, just one year after a wall collapsed on her at a school swimming carnival and she became a paraplegic. At the time, she had feared her future in sport was over, but with Paralympic gold medallist Sandy Blythe by her side, Danni was inspired to begin playing wheelchair tennis and wasted no time establishing herself as one of the world’s best. In 1998, she became the wheelchair tennis world champion. Over the course of her wheelchair tennis career, Danni won a Paralympic silver and bronze medal, 10 Australian Open titles and a handful of other Grand Slam crowns.
Having achieved nearly all there was to achieve in wheelchair tennis, Danni turned her attention to Para-table tennis. She was selected in the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team in her new sport, and as co-captain of the Team alongside wheelchair racer legend Kurt Fearnley, she led Australia to a top five result at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
In 2017, Danni was appointed Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Engagement and Wellbeing Officer, as well as Vice Chairperson of the Athlete Commission.
Danni competes in the women’s individual table tennis – Class 4 event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she reprised her role as co-captain alongside wheelchair rugby player Ryley Batt.
In 2024, Danni competed in her eighth Paralympics Games in Paris, her third Games competing in Para-table tennis.
Danni has proudly called Coburg Table Tennis Club home since 2017 and completes in Wednesday pennant at the club.