Lauren Jackson’s stunning return back to international basketball has continued after officially being picked in the Opals squad for the FIBA world cup, which starts in Sydney on September 22.
Key points:
- Lauren Jackson will return to the Opals world cup squad for the first time since 2010
- Jackson credits using medicinal cannabis with helping her move away from painkillers
- The women’s basketball world cup starts on September 22 in Sydney
Jackson, 41, was announced as part of a 12-strong squad, marking the veteran’s fifth world cup appearance, the last of which was in 2010.
“There were a lot of emotions when [coach] sandy [Brondello] rang me,” Jackson said.
“I had a bit of a cry to be honest.
“I have been working my body hard, and I didn’t honestly know if it was going to hold up to my intense training regimen, but it has and I’m feeling good.
“The whole team have been so welcoming and made me feel at home. The age difference disappears as soon as I step onto the court.
“I believe in this team and what we can achieve. If I can play a part in getting us onto the podium, then the hard work is all worthwhile.”
Jackson announced her competitive basketball comeback in February this year after joining the Albury Wodonga Bandits, and was then picked up in the extended Opals squad in June.
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In December 2021, Jackson told ABC Sport she had been using medicinal cannabis to overcome a battle with prescription painkillers after years of injury.
“I’ve been open about my battle with prescription medication during my career, and when I retired I went off everything because I wanted to raise my kids and just be the very best version of myself,” she said.
“[Medicinal cannabis] helped me a lot and has gotten me to the point where I’m able to train again and live a very active lifestyle with my two little boys.”
Brondello said Jackson had put in the work to be included in the squad.
“Making the final cut to 12 is always difficult with so many great athletes pushing for selection,” Brondello said.
“The training camp in New York demonstrated how much each of these athletes wanted to compete on home soil.
“The competition for a spot on the team was fierce.
“Of course the inclusion of Lauren is the talking point but, from my perspective, she has put in the work and deserves to be here. She will add another dimension to our team dynamic.”
The full squad is: Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Lauren Jackson, Ezi Magbegor, Tess Madgen, Anneli Maley, Steph Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace, and Sami Whitcomb.
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