The five-time Paralympian was part of the side that finished fourth in the Brazilian city, losing 76-34 to The Netherlands in the bronze medal match.

It was the closest she came to winning a Paralympic medal having played at every Games since Sydney 2000. 

"I am going to sit on the couch for the next Games, and cheer [the team] on to win their medal," said Griffiths, who celebrated her 37th birthday during the Rio 2016 Games.  

"I know they will because they are that good.

"I have been so proud to play with them, they are so talented and they have kept me young for another cycle.

"It’s such an exciting future for this team."

Britain’s strong performance in Rio de Janeiro comes almost two decades after Griffiths competed at the 1998 World Championships in Sydney.

Those Championships were held just one year after she had initially discovered wheelchair basketball, during her rehabilitation at Stoke Mandeville Hospital following a horse riding accident.

It marked the start of a career which has seen Griffiths represent Britain at four World Championships and eight European Championships, earning seven continental bronze medals.

"Wheelchair basketball was a focus for me after my accident which gave me motivation and something new to aim for in life," said Griffiths.

"I got the bug and fell in love with the sport and spent 18 years travelling the world with the goal of a Paralympic medal driving me on.

"Whilst I didn’t achieve a medal, as a team we achieved so much and of that I am very proud.

"Wheelchair basketball has kept me fit and healthy and given me good life quality as a result."

Griffiths was not only one of the first British women to play the sport professionally overseas, but she also twice assisted Britain to their highest-ever world ranking.

"Clare is one of the best guards that GB has ever seen," said Paul Hudson, chairman of British Wheelchair Basketball and a former coach of Britain’s women’s team.

"She has brought a wealth of experience and talent to the team and everyone at British Wheelchair Basketball will have been touched by her grit and determination to take GB to medal success.

"Her commitment to the sport has helped to raise awareness and the profile of wheelchair basketball across the UK and we very much hope that following her retirement she remains within the wheelchair basketball family as a coach and mentor to inspire future generations to come."