KRISTI Harrower’s basketball career is over after she announced she is 16 weeks pregnant.
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Arguably Bendigo’s greatest sportsperson, an emotional Harrower was in tears as she read from a prepared statement on Wednesday morning.
“Today I officially announce my retirement from the game that I’ve played and loved for 32 years,’’ Harrower said.
“The announcement comes mid-season because I am 16 weeks pregnant.
“I knew this season was going to be my last and I wish I could play out the remainder of the season and help the girls push for a three-peat.
“I know that retiring now is the right thing for my body and the baby.”
Harrower retires from basketball after a stellar career that included three Olympic silver medals, an Olympic bronze medal, world championship gold medals at senior and junior level, three WNBL titles and playing stints in the WNBA and Europe.
“I look back on my career and I have fond memories,’’ Harrower said.
“Standing out is playing for the Opals for 20 years, including four Olympics and four world championships.
“Most recently the achievement that stands out is bringing Bendigo two WNBL championships… with a group of players and coaching staff that did it for each other.”
Kristi’s father Bernie, her coach at the Bendigo Spirit, sat next to his daughter as she made the announcement.
“I have a lot of people to thank but first and foremost are my parents,’’ a tearful Kristi said.
“For the sacrifice and commitment to give me the opportunities to develop as an athlete and as a basketballer… I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
Bernie Harrower said Kristi leaves the game as “Australia’s greatest point guard”.
“You’ll always get arguments about different players from different eras, but you really don’t appreciate how good Kristi is until you coach her or play with her,’’ Bernie said.
“There’s very people in world sport that make people around them better… and for me Kristi is one of those players.
“When she’s on the court, leading her group, everybody around her is better because of that.
“That’s something that not only we (the Spirit) will miss, but Australian basketball will miss as well.”
The Bendigo Spirit’s home game with the Adelaide Lightning on Sunday will be promoted as “Kristi’s farewell game”.
Harrower will suit up, but is unlikely to play many, if any, minutes.
