Australian basketball legend, Lauren Jackson, has made the decision to retire from international basketball, confirming that she will not be participating in the Opals in Paris later this year. The announcement follows the Opals’ securing of a spot in the upcoming Olympic Games in France, achieved with an impressive 85-52 victory over Germany in Belem on Sunday AEDT.
At 42 years of age, Jackson expressed her emotions after the win, stating, “I am finished… I adore Brazil, Brazil has been very good to me. How fitting that I get to conclude my national career with Australia in Brazil. It is very special.”
Having played a crucial role in Australia’s 2006 World Cup triumph in Brazil, Jackson, widely esteemed as one of the country’s finest basketball players, has a lengthy list of achievements, including four Olympic medals, throughout her distinguished career. Despite initially retiring from the Opals in 2016, Jackson made an unexpected return prior to the 2022 World Cup in Australia.
Her comeback faced a setback when a torn Achilles jeopardised her career. However, the resilient sports icon from New South Wales overcame the odds and made a successful return for the ongoing FIBA qualifiers tournament in Brazil, earning a place in the 20-player squad for the critical event. In the recent victory against Germany, Jackson contributed nine points after coming off the bench in the first quarter, ultimately aiding the Opals in securing their tenth Olympic qualification.
Expressing her gratitude, Jackson later shared on Instagram, “When I say this has been a privilege, I mean it. I love these girls so much.”
As Australia’s journey in the qualifying tournament continues, they are scheduled to encounter Serbia in their final match on Monday morning.
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