The book asks the question “How can you be quick off the mark if you can’t hear the starters gun?”.

AOC President John Coates says Dean’s story of a young boy with a hearing disability overcoming the odds to represent his country as a decathlete in the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Deaflympics is a tale of triumph over adversity.

“Dean’s achievement in making the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games speaks volumes for his determination to prove the doubters wrong.  It also speaks to the power of sport to provide an avenue for a young man to stand up and be counted.”

“There’s no doubt Dean’s journey has been a difficult one but not only has he triumphed, he chose to give back and help others – contributing at CEO level in the non-profit sector to ensure access to services for those with a disability, mental health issues, the vulnerable community and as a sports coach and motivational speaker. “

Dean says the aim of his book “Think Again” was to inspire others and to demonstrate that even through the toughest journey you can still reach your destination.

“I didn’t have an easy start in a single parent household, living in housing commission homes and having a hearing disability.”

“But I saw the Olympic Games on TV and thought that this was possible for me. That was a difficult journey and at times lonely, but ultimately I had the support of people who believed in me. 

“I have learned that in life, on and off the field, that if you surround yourself with good people, you can benefit yourself and others and you can make a difference.

Dean Barton-Smith has been a campaigner for the rights of people with disabilities, national leader on mental health issues and has been an office holder with a variety of organisations. 

He has served on the Boards of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Deaf Sports Australia and the YMCA. He is a former CEO of Deaf Children Australia.

His book is available online from Tales From The Treehouse Publishing.