OTTAWA – Pat Anderson admits he would rather whisper words of wisdom than boast about his magnificent career in wheelchair basketball, which included a sixth Paralympic Games appearance at Paris 2024.
So, we’ll do it for him.
Canada’s Opening Ceremony co-flag bearer at Paris 2024 and father of three earned three gold medals (2000, 2004 and 2012) and a silver in 2008 at the Paralympic Games. In addition, he helped Canada to the world title in 2006.
At those first four Games the 45-year-old from Fergus, Ont. averaged more than 20 points per game and was being anointed as the greatest player in the sport and tabbed the ‘Michael Jordan of wheelchair basketball.’
Outside of the national team program, Anderson has competed in professional leagues overseas in Australia and Germany. In 2003, he was named the MVP of the Australian National Wheelchair Basketball League. His former club in Germany, RSV Lahn-Dill, also won three consecutive European Champions Cups from 2004-2006.
At the Team Canada Celebration in Ottawa in December, Anderson, who carried the flag with Para swimmer Katarina Roxon in Paris, reflected on his career, his patriotism, and his hopes for the future.
CPC: Which Paralympic Games were your favourite?
Anderson: Some stand out because of our accomplishments and some stand out because of the vibe. They are all special in their own way.
Sydney (2000) was the first one and was special, because they just really embraced the Paralympics. It gave me a belief that a city and a country could have enough energy to pull off the Olympics and have some energy left over to really celebrate, embrace and get into the Paralympics.
London (2012) was special because it was the last time we won a medal, and it was the first Games my wife attended. And it was the end of an era for a certain generation of players that grew up together and played together for a long time.
And then Paris (2024) was really special. The atmosphere for every game was electric, with packed houses, friends and family both there and at home. I just really, really enjoyed it.
Source: https://paralympic.ca/news