Marcus Daniell – a philanthropic champion of Olympic proportions
There are few individuals quite like Marcus Daniell.
Three years ago, Daniell won New Zealand’s first Olympic Tennis medal, clinching doubles bronze alongside compatriot Michael Venus at Tokyo 2020.
He described the achievement as the proudest of his career - following in the footsteps of Christchurch-born Tony Wilding (who won singles bronze under the flag of Australasia 109 years previously).
But he might well look back on the 2024 tennis season with even greater pride – even if any hope of repeating those medal-winning heroics at Paris 2024 proves a step too far – for Daniell has announced that 50% of all of his prize money during his farewell season will be going to charity.
Daniell, also a former world No. 34 and three-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist in men's doubles, founded the charity ‘High Impact Athletes’ during the peak of his playing career in 2020, with an eye on using the sporting sector – and the generosity and social influence of professional athletes – as a force for good.
He is encouraging those who can join him in his fundraising efforts this year by donating a tiny amount for every point he wins during his farewell season.
This is really special to me.
— Marcus Daniell OLY (@MarcusDaniell) February 20, 2024
It's my final year on tour and I'm donating 50% of my prize money to effective charities.
Please join me by pledging a tiny amount per point. Together we can make a huge impact. ❤️https://t.co/qgXGUSVRDw pic.twitter.com/GlWfLAFJQK
Daniell, who won the 2021 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award, endured two knee surgeries and many months on crutches after his Tokyo triumph, playing just five tournaments throughout the whole of 2022 and 2023 and leading him to declare the 2024 season his last.
With a new Olympic year comes renewed focus and a determination to end his professional tennis career with the utmost impact.
His goals, then, for the year to come?
“Raise $100,000 and win a shinier Olympic medal," he declared in a post on X.
Given the magic of the Olympics, maybe, just maybe, both of those dreams could come true.