A Canadian basketball great is hanging up his kicks.
Legendary wheelchair basketball player and three-time Paralympic gold medallist Patrick Anderson announced his retirement on Monday.
Anderson, of Fergus, Ont., appeared in six Paralympics for Canada, also claiming a silver medal in addition to his three golds.
Described as the "Michael Jordan of wheelchair basketball" by some, Anderson competed on Team Canada across four decades and carried the flag during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
He recorded a double-double in Canada's bronze-medal game loss against Germany in Paris.
Now, the 45-year-old has decided it's time to pass the reins to the next generation.
"You just know. Deep down when the elastic band snaps and you’re like, 'You know what, it’s just not in me anymore to put in the blood, sweat and tears to represent Canada at the highest level,'" Anderson said. "It’s been an honour to do it for a long time."
Wheelchair Canada Basketball CEO Wendy Gittens said the organization has been "fortunate" to "witness (Anderson's) greatness."
"Patrick not only elevated wheelchair basketball to new heights but has also inspired countless individuals around the world. Patrick’s retirement signals the close of a transformative chapter, but his legacy will continue to inspire athletes for generations," Gittens said.
In addition to his national-team success, Anderson played eight years for a professional team called the New York Rolling Knicks before spending the past season in Spain.
He played professionally in Australia, Germany and Turkey, too. He was named the most valuable player of the Australian National Wheelchair Basketball League in 2003. He led German club RSV Lahn-Dill to three consecutive European Champions Cup victories from 2004-06.
He also won three NCAA titles at the University of Illinois.
Born in Edmonton and raised in Fergus, Anderson discovered wheelchair basketball after he was struck by a car at age nine and his lower legs were amputated below the knee.
He joined the senior Canadian men's team in 1998 and helped Canada to a bronze medal at that year's world championships. He added another bronze in 2002 before playing a key role in Canada’s gold-medal triumph in 2006.
He is now helping Canada's next generation of basketball players as a skills coach and intends to launch a wheelchair basketball program in his hometown of Fergus.
--with files from The Canadian Press
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