Canadian Josh Binstock closes out his career in Toronto

TORONTO, Canada, September 30, 2016 - It was fitting that Josh Binstock - one of Canada’s most decorated beach volleyball players - ended his career in Toronto at the Swatch Major Series Finals, as Toronto was the place where his athletic career started.

"I couldn't be more grateful and appreciative of my retirement announcement venue," said Binstock, reflecting on the Toronto Finals audience tribute. "Having the opportunity to end my career in my home city, where it all started, parallels a Hollywood script. It just felt right in terms of how it came around full circle."

Binstock began competing on the beach circuit during his off-season from the University of Toronto when he was 23. 

Now, at 35, he has been to two Olympic Games, Pan Am Games (including Toronto 2015) and multiple FIVB World Tour stops.

Since teaming up in 2013, Josh Binstock and Sam Schachter have captured medals at four World Tour events, including a gold at the 2014 Parana Open. In 2015, they finished second at the Major Series tournament in Porec, Croatia, earning their largest single prize payout. It was the first time a Canadian men’s team had reached the podium in a major FIVB World Tour major event since 1997.

They posted their best result in a Grand Slam event when they finished fourth in Sao Paulo in 2014. Binstock and Schachter made their FIVB World Championship debut in 2015 where they finished ninth as Canada’s top-ranked men’s team.

"It has been a privilege to play with Josh over the past few years having experienced some of the best volleyball years of my life thus far," said Schachter. "He was always able to get the best out of his partners, and I personally could not have asked for a better mentor in my development years. I cannot speak enough about his performance as a player and partner."

Binstock had made his Olympic debut at London 2012 with Martin Reader. The duo finished in 17th place after posting a 1-2 record in pool play. In 2001, Binstock won a silver medal at the Canada Games. He is also a three-time national champion, most recently in 2014 with Schachter. Binstock has represented Canada three times at the Maccabiah Games, including in 2013 when he served as the Canadian flag bearer.

Josh graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education in 2004, and earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2009. He plans to work as chiropractor in a multi-disciplinary clinic and stay involved in the volleyball community providing therapy, consulting and mentoring services to athletes.

"I'm incredibly excited to start a new chapter in my life,” he said and thanked all those who supported his journey and made sacrifices throughout his career. "This will include staying involved in the game, primarily by giving back to the sport that gave me so much. One of my goals is to foster the growth and development of volleyball in Canada by focusing on the next generation through a physical and psychological approach."