A WHEELCHAIR sportsman has called time on a highly successful career

GB international Mark Fosbrook, of Oswestry, received an Our Heroes medal from British Wheelchair Basketball at the 2018 Clash in Sheffield.

He said: "For me representing my country has always been my greatest honour – I’ve had an incredible career playing at elite level for three para sports.

"It’s been a difficult and heartfelt decision to retire from the sport and my GB wheelchair basketball family.

“At this moment, retiring from wheelchair basketball is the right choice for me and my family – it will allow me to focus on my young children, my phenomenal and supportive wife, and a career with the Activity Alliance which is incredibly rewarding.”

Mark’s career has spanned more than two decades and he has represented his nation internationally at wheelchair basketball, volleyball and rugby.

During his career with the GB men’s senior wheelchair basketball team Mark has amassed a gold and a silver European Medal and competed in the 2014 World Championships.

GB’s number 13 was known within the team as a dedicated family man, who brought an open and humble character to the squad.

An ambassador for the sport, Mark has regularly spoken about his career at schools and to the media.

Alongside his international sporting success, Mark also consistently delivered at elite level notably in swimming and rowing, and was team manager for wheelchair rugby in Beijing.

On receiving his medal at a fixture with Canada, Mark’s current team mates assembled on court to honour the moment with a team guard of honour.

GB head coach Haj Bhania said: “We were sad to hear of Mark’s retirement from the GB World Class Programme. Balancing sport, family commitments and full time work is challenging and Mark’s ability to manage this and his support to the team has proved to be a great learning experience for all of us. His knowledge and experience has been very beneficial.

“His size and agility on court meant that he regularly played beyond his classification – an incredible team player. Thank you to him, and to his wife Emma, for their dedication and selfless commitment to wheelchair basketball over many years.”