Two-time Olympic champion Candace Parker announces retirement

Basketball great Candace Parker has announced her retirement from the sport.

A two-time Olympic gold medallist (2008; 2012) and three-time WNBA champion (2016; 2021; 2023), the 38-year-old believes ‘it’s time’ for her to step away from the court.

“I’m retiring,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I promised I’d never cheat the game and that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it.

“The competitor in me always wants one more, but it’s time. My heart and body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.

“I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love. What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter - I ended the journey just as I started it, with her.”

Parker’s move to the Las Vegas Aces had not gone to plan, as the forward was troubled by a foot injury that ‘isn’t cooperating’.

Voted WNBA MVP on two occasions, her impact on women’s basketball is undeniable.

Now she has a message for the next generation of players ready to walk in the path Parker has forged.

“Today’s players: Enjoy it,” she continued.

“No matter how you prepare for it, you won’t be ready for the gap it leaves in your soul.

“Forgive me as I mourn a bit, but I’ll be back loving the game differently in a while.”

Candace Parker: Career awards and accolades

• 3x WNBA Champion (2016; 2021; 2023)
• WNBA Finals MVP (2016)
• 2x WNBA MVP (2008; 2013)
• 7x WNBA All-Star (2011; 2013; 2014; 2017; 2018; 2021; 2022)
• WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2013)
• 7x All-WNBA First Team (2008; 2012; 2013; 2014; 2017; 2021; 2022)
• 3x All-WNBA Second Team (2009; 2015; 2018)
• WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2016)
• 2x WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2009; 2012)
• WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008)
• WNBA All-Rookie Team (2008)
• 5x Russian National League champion (2011-2015)
• 4x Russian Cup winner (2011-2014)
• EuroLeague Champion (2013)
• 2x NCAA Champion (2007; 2008)
• 2x NCAA Tournament MOP (2007; 2008)
• 2x AP Female Athlete of the Year (2008; 2021)
• 2x USBWA Player of the Year (2007; 2008)
• Naismith College Player of the Year (2008)
• USA: 2x Olympic gold medallist (2008; 2012)