Describing himself as tenacious, energetic and impulsive, Michael Hartnett believes it is his aggression on the court that sets him apart from others. He sets a high standard for himself, describing his lowest sporting moments as those when he knows he could have done better.

Michael’s proudest moment was when he first represented Australia at the Junior Games in Victoria in 1997. Since then, he has made a hobby of collecting the flight tags from all the major competitions in which he competes – just one of his ritualistic and somewhat superstitious basketball practices. He has strict self-imposed guidelines implemented in his pre-game routine, especially regarding his shoes, the way his straps are placed and choice of underwear.

His greatest sporting moment came in Beijing at his first Paralympic Games when Australia won a gold medal after a 72-60 victory over Canada. Since then he has played a key role in the all-conquering Rollers team that was victorious at the 2010 World Championships and 2009 and 2011 Asia-Oceania Championships as well as the silver medal winning team at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Michael has also played a prominent role in the Perth Wheelcats’ era of domination in the NWBL, in which they won five straight titles between 2006 and 2010. He rates his Perth and Rollers teammates Brad Ness and Justin Eveson as considerable influences in his career.

Michael hopes to experience a varied life, live well and grow. He loves competing and winning and hates people who don’t appreciate what they have.