Opals claim Bronze

The Opals are Paris Olympic bronze medallists after defeating Belgium, 85-81, in an all-time epic on Sunday night.

The victory returned Australia to the Olympic podium for the first time in 12 years and is the program’s sixth medal and third bronze alongside previous placings in Atlanta, 1996 and London, 2012.

A stunning 30-point display from Ezi Magbegor, who also grabbed 13 rebounds as well as 3 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals, punctuated the win with Alanna Smith (13 points, 12 rebounds) producing a double-double and Sami Whitcomb (14 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) continuing her strong tournament form.

The medal represents so much to every member of the team.

A four-time Olympian and triple Olympic medallist as a player, Sandy Brondello, in her second Games at the helm, is now an Olympic-medal winning coach.

Lauren Jackson now remarkably boasts an Olympic medal from all five of her Games appearances - 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2024.

The podium finish was a long time coming for triple Olympians Marianna Tolo, Cayla George and Steph Talbot who experienced disappointment with Quarter Final exits in Rio in 2016 and then in Tokyo alongside captain Tess Madgen, Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor.

While it was a dream Olympic debut for Sami Whitcomb, Kristy Wallace, Amy Atwell, Jade Melbourne and Isobel Borlase who will depart Paris with a medal around their necks.

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