Australian Roller and long server of the game, Brett Stibners OAM has called time on his international career.
The International Wheelchair Basketball world enjoyed the last of Stibners- or ‘Sticky’ as those close to him know him as- at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
After 187 international appearances spanning across 15 years, Stibners leaves the game with an extraordinary list of accolades to his name. A four-time Paralympian, Stibners enjoyed the ultimate Paralympic success early in his national playing career, claiming Gold at his first Games in Beijing 2008. He’s since been a part of a Rollers squad that returned for back-to-back Paralympic glory, achieving Silver in London 2012 and claimed the top gong at the 2010 World Championships along the way.
Not only forging a successful career with the Rollers, Stibners spent time in the European competition and back on the local scene is a two-time National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL) champion (2003 & 2011). His hunger, drive and love for the game remains, as he states that the NWBL hasn’t seen the last of him just yet.
Currently sitting in hotel quarantine- returning from Tokyo- Stibners shares how he’s used the down time to reflect.
“I was really lucky to come along at just about the peak, I could come in and join them (Rollers) at the ascension to the top.”
“I was just happy to be there, be a part of that team and be a part of that program.”
A dual Paralympic and three-time World Championship medallist, Stibners says that he may never have achieved what he had if it wasn’t for a fellow Roller.
“When I first started, Tristan Knowles was really good for me, he’s one of those positive people who sees the positive in everything. After my first camp I was told I’d never play, never make the team, but he was very encouraging”
What he’ll miss most? The team and the comradery at the Rollers training camps, pushing each other to be better. What he’s looking forward to most? “Not having to go to camp!”
“My kids are 10 and 8 so I am really looking forward to watching them progress with life.”
Stibners will return for the 2022 NWBL season to chase a third championship with the Wollongong Roller Hawks.
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.