For Garrett Ostepchuk, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics was an excellent learning opportunity.
The Games were the first for the 21-year-old who also participated in the 2018 World Championships with the men’s senior national team.
Ostepchuk appeared in six games in Tokyo, averaging just over nine minutes of action.
“I learned that I have to be hungrier,” said Ostepchuk. “I have to put in more work, and I want to put in more.”
As one of the younger players on the roster, Ostepchuk admitted there was no shortage of veteran leadership to lean on during the Games.
The Regina, SK native was able to learn from veterans such as Bo Hedges, Pat Anderson and Tyler Miller when it came to the game itself and understanding how to work together with his teammates.
“There’s always the technical aspects of the sport, and they’re always providing me with feedback on that in terms of how to turn when to turn and things like that,” he said.
“One thing that stuck with me is the importance of understanding your teammates, and when to communicate with them about certain things and when not to communicate with them about certain things—just knowing how to approach your teammates with questions or concerns.”
Get to know #TeamCanada and #Tokyo2020 Paralympian Garrett Ostepchuk in our #AthleteSpotlight series presented by @toyotacanada pic.twitter.com/oCjZkn4bMc
— Wheelchair Basketball Canada (@WCBballCanada) October 12, 2021
While the eighth-place finish in Tokyo wasn’t the desired outcome, the opportunity to represent Canada was memorable for Ostepchuk.
“It means a lot,” he said. “Every time I put on the jersey, I just feel safe with my teammates, and I feel like there’s a lot of people back home I’m representing, and I feel safe because of that too. I’m just really, really proud.”
After several months without games, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics provided Ostepchuk an opportunity to play in meaningful competition, rekindling his love for the game.
“Just giving it everything I got and pushing as hard as I possibly can and just being able to play the game that I love and I’ve loved for years—I really enjoyed that,” Ostepchuk explained.
The Paralympic experience also provided Ostepchuk with a window into what he needs to work on as he looks to improve his game.
Now back in Canada and training at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, Ostepchuk said there are few areas he’s focusing on.
“I’m trying to put a little more muscle on, and I’m also working on my outside shooting and
general speed,” he said.