news

Young West Australian and wheelchair basketball player Shaun Norris is set to represent Australia at his 3rd Paralympics in 2012.

Shaun Norris was a starting five member of Australian Rollers that claimed Gold in Beijing and then backed that up with a World Championship in 2010.

After a silver medal with the Rollers in 2004, Shaun realised his dream in 2008 when he brought home the gold in 2008. Not willing to rest on his laurels, Shaun is as determined as ever to defend Australia’s place as the best wheelchair basketball team in the world and bring home his third Paralympic Medal.

Shaun is currently rated as one of the best players in the world, which was confirmed following 2010’s World Championships campaign where Shaun was named in the World All-Star 5.

Having already qualified for the London Games, the next 9 months for Shaun are all about preparing himself physically and mentally for the 2012 Paralympics where he believes that the Australian Rollers are in good shape to defend their gold medal.

“I think our chance of defending our place as the number one team in the world is as good as ever.”

“I mean its tournament basketball and anything can happen, but you can only control what you do and we will be as prepared as we possibly can by the time that first game tips off.”

Shaun says he wouldn’t be surprised if the same top four teams from the 2008 Beijing Paralympics are again fighting it out for the medals in London.

“We will definitely be the hunted in London.”
 
“I think the USA, Canada and Great Britain will all be really tough, but even someone like Italy can really push you on their day and I wouldn’t be surprised if they upset a few teams.”
 
When asked if London would be Shaun’s last Paralympic Games he said he is optimistic about his chances to go to Rio in 2016.

“As long as the passion and drive is still there I would like to go around again for sure.”

Shaun will be in action for the ‘Be Active’ Perth Wheelcats this 2012 season at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre. For all game times and schedules, please check www.wheelchairsportswa.org.au  

Photo attached is courtesy of Emily Dimozantos – Life in Motion