Ottawa, ON – After nearly 25 years of dedication and excellence, Mike Whitehead, one of Canada’s most accomplished wheelchair rugby athletes, has announced his retirement from the national team. His remarkable career spans 24 years and 10 months, during which he became a cornerstone of Team Canada and achieved significant success on the international stage.

Whitehead’s journey in wheelchair rugby began just one year after his spinal cord injury, when he was introduced to the sport by future teammates at the Parkwood Rehabilitation Hospital in London, Ontario. His passion for the sport quickly propelled him to join the national team, and he has since represented Canada in six Paralympic Games, earning two silver medals and one bronze. Whitehead’s career also includes multiple medals at the World Championships and Parapan Am Games, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.

Throughout his career, Whitehead played a key role in mentoring younger athletes, sharing his knowledge and experience. He was inducted into the Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Hall of Fame in 2017, and his work as a public speaker, including his TEDx talk, has inspired many.

“Mike has been an incredible ambassador for wheelchair rugby and has left a lasting impact on both the sport and his teammates,” said Paul Hunter, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Canada. “His leadership, dedication, and passion for the game will be remembered for years to come.”

Wheelchair Rugby Canada extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mike Whitehead for his outstanding contributions to the sport and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Mike Whitehead, please contact: info@wheelchairrugby.ca