World Wheelchair Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Garett Hickling, one of the sport’s most iconic and influential figures. Inaugurated into the WWR Hall of Fame in 2018, for over two decades, Hickling was the driving force behind the Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby Team, serving as a leader, mentor, and inspiration to countless teammates and competitors.
Born and raised in Mica Creek, British Columbia, Hickling was an all-around athlete, active in sports such as ice hockey, football, and baseball. His life took a dramatic turn in February 1987 when, at just 16 years old, he suffered a spinal cord injury after falling from a 300-foot cliff during a nighttime hike. The accident claimed the life of one of his companions and left Hickling with a severe neck injury.
Refusing to let his disability limit his passion for sport, Hickling turned to wheelchair basketball and street hockey before a life-changing meeting with Duncan Campbell—one of the sport’s pioneers—led him to wheelchair rugby. Hickling began playing in 1993 and quickly rose through the ranks. By 1995, he was recognized as one of the world’s top players.
WWR President, Richard Allcroft said “I am saddened to hear the news of Garett’s passing. I’ve met and spoke with Garett on many occasions at events around the world. I was always struck by his passion and knowledge of the game. Always humble in the way he spoke, he was truly a legend within the sport and will be missed by the wheelchair rugby family. I pass on my condolences to his family and friends”.
Garett Hickling’s playing style was unmatched. Known for his fierce determination and strategic prowess, he was often likened to a chess master on the court. Much like Wayne Gretzky, who once said, “I skate to where I think the puck will be,” Hickling anticipated plays with remarkable precision. His relentless energy, trademark blonde mane, and commanding presence made him a formidable competitor and a fan favourite.
“Garett Hickling was a trailblazer in the wheelchair rugby community, not only for his remarkable achievements with Team Canada but for his unwavering commitment to giving back to others around him. His spirit of determination, generosity, and leadership will always be remembered, and his loss is felt deeply by all of us at Wheelchair Rugby Canada. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time”. – Paul Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Wheelchair Rugby Canada.
Players across the globe respected Hickling. Steve Pate of Team USA, a long-time rival and friend, once said:
“Best thing that happened to my game was playing a season with Garett. He is still the standard I use when I coach high pointers. He taught me that a 3.5’s job is never done. He was there for his team heart and soul — always making others better, always making things happen, even when he was out of the play. He is my brother.”
Over the course of his illustrious career, Hickling competed in every major international wheelchair rugby competition from 1995 to 2015. His accolades include:
4 Paralympic medals: 3 silver, 1 bronze
5 World Championship medals: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze
1 Parapan American Games gold medal (Toronto, 2015)
Hickling’s impact extended beyond the scoreboard. He was named MVP at the first three World Championships (1995, 1998, 2002), inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and honored as Team Canada’s Flag Bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games—one of the highest recognitions for a Canadian athlete.
Inducted into the WWR Hall of Fame at the 2018 World Championship in Sydney. He was one of the first four individuals to be inaugurated.
Garett Hickling’s legacy lives on not only through his remarkable achievements but also through the lives he touched, the teammates he inspired, and the game he helped define. He will be remembered as a pioneer, a warrior, and above all, a legend of the sport.
