Paris 2024 Olympics: Can Lauren Jackson inspire star-studded Australia women's basketball team to elusive gold?
It’s been twelve years since the Australian women’s basketball team, commonly known as the Opals, last won an Olympic medal at London 2012.
But with Paris 2024 on the horizon, the five-time Olympic medallists are looking to get back on top - and have the means to do so.
Jackson, Madgen, Borlase, George and Tolo were all called up for Paris 2024
It was Lauren Jackson who led the Opals at London 2012, and it’ll be Jackson who Australia turn to again as they head into Paris 2024.
The 43 year-old is one of the most notable female basketball players in the country having won the WNBL Championship seven times, been named WNBL MVP on four occasions, and collected four Olympic medals over the course of her career.
Jackson announced her retirement after Rio 2016 only to return to the court in 2022 to play in the 2022 World Cup. Now, as she heads into her fifth Olympics after an incredible comeback, the New South Wales native will undoubtedly have her eyes on a gold medal in what will almost certainly be her final Olympic Games.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Lauren Jackson of the Australian Olympic basketball team carries her country's flag as she leads the Australian team into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The Opals benefit from several other established Olympians on their side too.
Coach Sandy Brondello competed at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, whilst Cayla George and Marianna Tolo will step into their third Olympic Games at Paris 2024.
These players will complement the exciting youthful talent that Australia boasts in Olympic debutants, 21 year-old Jade Melbourne and 19 year-old Isobel Borlase.
Australia's Paris 2024 campaign gets underway against Nigeria, followed by a clash with Canada, and then Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists, and hosts, France.
Australia are by far the most decorated side in Group B, with reigning gold medallists USA lining up in Group C.
According to FIBA, the U.S. are currently the #1 ranked nation in the world, with the People's Republic of China in second and Australia third - a result that should provide the latter with an added sense of confidence heading into their Group B fixtures.
With a perfectly balanced squad, a coach with an impressive Olympic resume, and a legend of the game leading the way, there is no reason why the Opals cannot achieve what they’ve failed to do on previous occasions and take home gold.