Amy Atwell to replace injured Rebecca Allen in Opals squad for Paris 2024 Olympics

Australian women’s basketball team forward Rebecca Allen has been ruled out of the Paris 2024 Olympics with injury with Amy Atwell named as a replacement in the Opals squad for the upcoming Summer Games.

The 31-year-old Allen, who was initially named in the 12-member Oplas squad for Paris 2024, aggravated a hamstring injury during the team’s final practice match against Canada in Segovia, Spain on Tuesday evening.

She underwent scans in the Paris Olympic Village Polyclinic to determine the extent of the injury. The scans confirmed a high-grade hamstring injury, deeming Allen medically unfit to play in Paris.

“I have been looking forward to these Games for a long time and am absolutely devastated but I will now focus my energies on recovery and supporting my Opals sisters,” Allen, who was poised to play in her second Olympics, said.

Australian women’s basketball team head coach Sandy Brondello said the team was “devastated” about Rebecca Allen’s injury.

“Bec is such a big part of our team and has been for a long time… This injury has come at a really unfortunate time and the call had to be made upon medical advice.

“Amy Atwell has been part of this Olympic squad all year and with us in Spain for our practice matches. She will now come into the team and all the staff and players have every confidence in Amy,” Brondello added.

The 26-year-old Amy Atwell will be making her Olympic debut.

At Paris 2024, the Opals are in Group B with hosts and two-time Olympic medallists France, Canada and Nigeria.

Australia will start their campaign against Nigeria on July 29.

The Opals have won five Olympic medals - three silver and two bronze medals - in women’s basketball to date.