Channel 9’s extraordinary Alcott decision

Alcott fell just short of an eighth home slam in a 7-5 6-0 loss to Sam Schroder but as the match moved into its second hour something extraordinary happened on our television screens — Channel 9 delayed the news.Pushing back the 6pm bulletin is an exclusive club. Steve Waugh did it chasing a memorable 100 at the SCG in 2003, as did Michael Clarke when he took three wickets in the final over to secure a miracle win against India in 2008.But a wheelchair athlete? Playing in a men’s quad singles event that has only been running since 2008 and barely rated a mention until Alcott became a national hero? It would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. We’re not talking about a few minutes either like Nine will often do when an NRL game runs late on a Sunday. This was three quarters of an hour.Alcott has touched hearts across the country like no other disabled athlete before him — and that’s a feat in itself given he follows in the footsteps of legends like Louise Sauvage and Kurt Fearnley — and viewers loved the decision to give him an extended final moment in the spotlight.Alcott did too, beaming when Todd Woodbridge mentioned it had happened during the trophy presentation ceremony, after revealing how much it meant to have his sport recognised during his runner-up speech.“People like me, we are getting not only the recognition but we are integrated and involved in our society especially. We want to be more and more every day,” he said.“If you look up at the middle ring (of Rod Laver Arena), see how many people with a disability are here, right? That’s the reason I get out of bed. It really is.”Schroder also recognised the impact Alcott has had for disabled kids all over the world.“I want to say congrats to Dylan on having an amazing career,” he said.“You’ve inspired so many people to get out there and play sports. So for disabled kids watching back home, I know you’ve done a great job inspiring the world.“I hope to one day be able to do one small part of that.”