Legendary hooper Lauren Jackson has become the oldest player ever to take to an Olympic basketball court (women’s or men’s) after stepping out for the Opals in their opener against Nigeria at the age of 43 years and 79 days.
The forward broke the previous record set by Spanish playmaker Laia Palau, who was 41 years and 332 days old at Tokyo 2020. Brazilian veteran Marcelinho Huertas holds the men’s record, having played in the Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 against France at 41 years and 63 days.
On an eventful day in Lille, Diana Taurasi of the USA is set to secure a spot at the top of the chart, as she is anticipated to step out against Japan at 42 years and 48 days old.
This record adds to Jackson’s incredible legacy and list of accomplishments. She already holds the Olympic record for points scored (581), field goals made (214), rebounds (281), and blocks (42).
Playing against Nigeria also saw her move up to third place in the all-time list of appearances (33), becoming the Opals’ player with the most Olympic outings, surpassing Kristi Harrower’s 32 appearances.
