LILLE (France) - Legendary hooper Lauren Jackson has become the oldest ever player to take to an Olympic Basketball court (women or men) after she stepped out for the Opals in their opener against Nigeria at the age of 43 years and 79 days old.
The forward beat the previous record set by Spanish playmaker Laia Palau who was 41 years and 332 days old at Tokyo 2020, while Brazilian veteran Marcelinho Huertas is the men's record holder after taking to the court at the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 against France aged 41 years and 63 days.
Meanwhile on an eventful day in Lille, Diana Taurasi of USA will make it a brand new 1-2 at the top of the chart as she is anticipated to step out against Japan aged 42 years and 48 days old.
All-time oldest players at the Olympics
The record for the oldest player to have stepped out 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 witnessed her move up to third place in the all-time list of appearances (33) and becoming the Opals' baller with the most Olympic outings after overtaking Kristi Harrower (32).
FIBA