Bronzed Opals amongst World’s best again

The Australian women’s basketball team, the Opals, have won a medal at their fifth consecutive Olympic Games after defeating Russia to clinch Bronze in London with an 83-74 victory overnight.

Australia had to survive a late rally from the Russians that saw the Europeans charge from 15 points behind early in the final period to close with five points within 1:20 to play.

Fittingly, retiring guard Kristi Harrower sealed the game for the Australians by making 5-of-6 freethrows down the stretch to close out the victory, and was chaired from the court by her teammates after her final appearance for Australia.

Leading scorer for Australia was Lauren Jackson with 25 points as well as 11 rebounds. Harrower added 21 points and four assists and Suzy Batkovic chipped in with 17 points and eight rebounds.

The women underlined their status as one of Australia’s most consistently successful national sporting teams by medalling yet again at the Olympic level.

The Australian women boast an unbroken string of Olympic medals dating back to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, when Australia broke through to win their first ever medal at a Games with a Bronze.

The team also medalled in Sydney in 2000, Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008 with silver medals in each Olympic Games.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Kristina Keneally said all Australians could be proud of yet another medal-winning performance by the women.

“Our women’s team played inspired basketball against the Russians tonight and once again showed their incredible strength of character to win the Bronze Medal,” said Ms. Keneally.

“We’ve seen in London across all sports just how difficult it is to win a medal at the Olympic Games, so for our women’s team to medal at five consecutive Games is nothing short of stunning.

“To keep things in perspective, finishing third is truly remarkable for a country of Australia’s size when you consider that over 450 million people play basketball globally and 213 countries participate in FIBA competition.

“At the end of the day, some of the best moments of the 2012 Olympic Games – indeed some of the best moments in Olympic history – have happened in women’s basketball: from Lauren Jackson’s selection as flag bearer, to Belinda Snell’s half court shot, Liz Cambage’s dunk against Russia and Lauren breaking the Olympic scoring record.

“Our women’s team have been outstanding Australian representatives in London. They’ve inspired millions of Australians with their heroic performances, and they’ll return to Aussie shores with their heads held high.”

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