Named three times in the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League All Star Five (2004, 2006 and 2007) and having already played over 100 games for the Gliders, Tina McKenzie was a world-class wheelchair basketballer. In 2000, she was a reserve player for the Australian Paralympic Team, and then in 2002, won bronze with her team at the World Cup.

A standout moment for Tina came in her second Paralympic campaign, when she won a silver medal at the Athens 2004 Games. She followed this up with a bronze medal in Beijing and a silver medal in London and believes over the years since her first Games in Sydney, the level of competition has increased as each team improves.

Tina was honored when she was named captain for the 2010 World Championships in Birmingham, England, where she spearheaded the Gliders’ bronze medal winning campaign.

As well as sporting excellence, Tina is quite the academic. Whilst studying at Macquarie University, she received the Chancellors Award for academic and sporting excellence in 2005 and 2006 and was also nominated for Australian University Sports Athlete of the Year. She now works as a primary school teacher.

When she’s not shooting hoops, Tina enjoys walking her dog, catching up with friends over coffee and reading. Her mother has been a towering figure throughout her life and career, providing inspiration through her strength and resilience. Tina retired after the London Paralympic Games and now continues her work as a primary school teacher.