[ad_1]
Australian Opals star Liz Cambage withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics on mental health grounds, the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed on Friday. [AEST].
It follows news on Friday morning that the Opals were discussing their future with the team after an incident during a closed-door scrum.
Cambage was involved in a physical altercation during a closed-door warm-up match against Nigeria, sources told ESPN, along with an indicted verbal exchange.
In a statement, Cambage announced that she would be stepping down from the team so that she can focus on her well-being and mental health.
“Everyone who knows me knows that one of my biggest dreams is to win an Olympic gold medal with the Opals. Every athlete competing in the Olympics should be at their mental and physical peak, and right now,” Cambage said.
“I am far from where I want and need to be. It’s no secret that in the past I have had mental health issues and recently I was really worried about myself. throwing in an Olympic “bubble.” No family. No friends. No fans. No support system outside of my team. It’s honestly terrifying to me. Last month I had seizures of panic, I do not sleep and I do not eat.
“Relying on daily medication to control my anxiety isn’t where I want to be right now. Especially competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
“I know myself and I know I can’t be the Liz everyone deserves to see compete for the Opals. Not right now at least. I have to take care of myself mentally and physically.
“It breaks my heart to announce that I am retiring from the Olympics, but I think it’s better for the Opals and myself. I wish them all the best in Tokyo and hope that they will go ahead and win a gold medal. Love. And light. “
It has been alleged that the quadruple WNBA All-Star also broke team protocols to go out to Las Vegas, where she plays with the WNBA Aces, and was allegedly involved in a third incident.
COA Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman said the committee understood and respected his decision to step down from the team days before the Games started.
“Liz has made a great contribution to the Australian Olympic team in two campaigns for the Olympics. We respect her decision and wish her the best for her health,” said Chesterman.
“Our goal now is to work with the Opals so that they can achieve the goals they set for themselves in Tokyo. We know they are totally committed to succeeding in Tokyo and they will always bring an incredibly strong team to this campaign. . “
The Opals, the Australian women’s basketball team, were in Las Vegas for their pre-Olympic training camp. They are scheduled to face the United States in a warm-up game on Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET Friday in the US).
Cambage, 29, is the team’s most prolific player, averaging 14.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for the Las Vegas Aces during the 2021 WNBA season. She was named a 2021 WNBA All-Star.
The AOC will explore the potential of a late replacement of Cambage in the Opals team.
[ad_2]
Source link