Former Australian Opals and Canberra Capitals star Lauren Jackson announced the exciting news that she is expecting her first child after retiring from basketball earlier this year.

Jackson revealed the news on social media with the following message:  “Hi everyone, thank you so much for the love – it’s a very exciting time, such an unbelievable experience & so happy ur [sic] sharing with me xxx.”.

The 35 year old basketball legend has played at four Olympic Games, won WNBL and WNBA titles and most valuable player awards in Australia, the United States, Europe and Asia. She retired from the sport in March after devastating knee injuries ended her hopes of playing at the Rio Olympics.

Jackson said in February she didn’t want the injuries of her basketball career to affect her post-sport life.

“Absolutely I want to have a family … If I don’t do some work to get my knee strong, regardless of what happens with the Olympics, I’m not sure if I’d be able to play one-on-one with my kids in the backyard,” Jackson said.

“That’s something I experienced in my childhood and I loved. I definitely want to be able to share with my children [in the future]. Whatever sport they might choose, I want to be a part of it and be active.

“Basketball Australia is giving me an opportunity for life after sport.”

Congratulations Lauren!