PARALYMPIAN LOUISE HUNT SKELLEY SHARES HER LIFE STORY IN HER FIRST BOOK ‘WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?’

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 to share her journey from being born in Wanborough near Swindon, being totally accepted by her family for her vibrant personality and sheer determination to succeed, to going to secondary school and then finding out that she was ‘disabled’ a word she’d not heard before.

She learned very quickly 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, who have 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, also shares how she became a successful road wheelchair racer, 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. Forwards in her book have been written by her husband Chris Hunt Skelley MBE and her fellow sports commentator Gigi Salmon.

Her book was launched to an audience of friends and family at The Ridgeway Barns, near Liddington, on Tuesday October 15, a place very 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 and it has enabled me to talk about the people who have changed my life and know I hope my story will change the life of someone else.

“I have been as honest as I can be and 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, who was 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.

Over her impressive career, Louise 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 impact 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 and can be found here https://louisehunt.co.uk/my-book/