Schulte, a member of the American teams that finished third at Sydney 2000 and London 2012 and fourth at Beijing 2008, will continue to mentor and aim to inspire future Paralympians.

The 36-year-old will also carry on competing for Miami Heat Wheels, the 2015 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Division III champions.

"I cannot understate the gratitude I feel from every USA coach, trainer, and manager that I have been privileged to work with over the years, as well as US Paralympics for all their amazing support," said Schulte.  

"Those that have played for the USA team know of the brotherhood that forms and the lifelong friendships.

"To be short, that brotherhood is amazing and one of the best parts of playing for your country.

"I look forward to every opportunity I have to reconnect with every USA team-mate I have had, as well as meeting that next generation of players that will wear the USA letters on their chest.

"I love the USA team and will be the biggest cheerleader for Team USA."

Schulte first found international success in 1997 with a silver medal at the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Under-23 World Championships.

He was co-captain of the US men’s wheelchair basketball team and has played an instrumental role in helping the team win a number of accolades.

Schulte’s most recent accomplishment in a US jersey came at the 2014 IWBF World Championships in Incheon, South Korea, capturing a silver medal.  

Among his many personal achievements, Schulte was nominated for an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award for "Best Disabled Athlete" in 2003, the same year in which he was a 2003 Laureus World Sports nominee for "Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability".

"We want to wish you the best in your future endeavours, and we will miss you in the Team USA colours," said Sarah Castle, President of the NWBA.

"Your contributions to the sport have been numerous.

"There are many athletes who aspire to be like you.

"Your leadership and sportsmanship on and off the court is the true essence and the spirit of USA wheelchair basketball.

"Thank you for your many years."

Schulte became paralysed at the age of 10 following a car crash and started playing wheelchair basketball when he was 14.