Lauren Jackson may think she’s no longer the star, but try telling that to her Australian teammates at the Olympics, who are entering for the fifth time 12 years after the last one.
The basketball Hall of Famer has been confirmed for the Australian team competing in the Paris Olympics this month, joining current Boomers Joe Ingles and Patty Mills, as well as Andrew Gaze, as the country’s only five-time basketball players to have competed at the Olympics.
The four-time medalist and three-time WNBA MVP Jackson played in seven Games in total. The 43-year-old was forced to retire from playing before the 2016 Olympics due to severe knee pain.
She moved into basketball management before the use of medical cannabis led to a tentative return in 2022, which ultimately resulted in bronze at the World Cup.
Jackson subsequently announced a second international retirement, but a ruptured Achilles tendon and a serious foot injury last year seemed to herald the end of his incredible career.
But the mother of two has bounced back and, after successfully negotiating to get her family to France, will play a central role in the world No.3’s quest to dethrone the four-time reigning champions, the United States.
Anna Meares, Olympic track cycling champion and Australia’s chef de mission for Paris, said Jackson’s presence would also be felt off the basketball court.
“I’m retired and I’m physically paying the price for it, even though I’m 40 years old,” the four-time Olympian told AAP.
Basketball legend Lauren Jackson has made history after being selected for her fifth Olympic Games
The four-time medalist and three-time WNBA MVP retired in 2016 due to injury
‘The juggling is real, the challenge is real. As a mother of two young children, I can really appreciate and respect that.
“She’s an inspiration. There’s a real joy that she’s still here. These are the athletes that we’re really going to miss when we’re gone.”
The 2012 Australian flag bearer said she had never felt as much pressure as she has in the past two weeks.
“Last time I did this, I was the star, so I didn’t have to worry about selection,” she said.
‘I’m not that anymore; I’m the role player, I had to work hard to make sure I got selected.
“I’m so proud of myself.”
The Opals’ campaign in Tokyo was derailed when Elizabeth Cambage, like Jackson an impressive midfielder, left training camp in anger on the eve of the Games.
The following year, Jackson returned to the fray, with the program’s culture still very much in the spotlight.
Jackson’s teammates said she was an inspiration to the Opals team
“There’s really a shift happening where we’re really focusing on engaging great people,” she said.
‘We are working hard to ensure that everyone can have their say.
“We’ve worked hard to make this happen, but it’s paying off… and anything is possible.”
Veteran Boomers defender Matthew Dellavedova is making his fourth appearance for the team, as the 33-year-old tries to get back into contention after coach Brian Goorjian pulled him out of last year’s World Cup.
Dellavedova was used sparingly as Australia defeated Slovenia to win bronze at the Tokyo Games, with NBA star defender Matisse Thybulle instead helping to contain star Luka Doncic and win a historic medal.
But the mentor will take Dellavedova with him and not Thybulle (27), where group matches in Lille with a strong Canada and possibly Spain and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece await him.
Two-time Olympian Chris Goulding was also dropped despite his good form in recent practice matches, as was Xavier Cooks despite being one of the Boomers’ best players at the World Cup.
Australia’s Gangurrus will play all teams in the eight-team women’s 3×3 tournament after taking a historic first place.
AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAMS
Opals: Rebecca Allen, Kristy Wallace, Marianna Tolo, Sami Whitcomb, Stephanie Talbot, Jade Melbourne, Ezi Magbegor, Cayla George, Alanna Smith, Isobel Borlase, Lauren Jackson, Tess Madgen.
Boomers: Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Patty Mills, Dante Exum, Jock Landale, Duop Reath, Joe Ingles, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Matthew Dellavedova, Nicholas Kay.
Gangurrus (3×3 women): Anneli Maley, Lauren Mansfield, Alex Wilson, Marena Whittle.