Argentine basketball legend Luis Scola shares his reflections on a remarkable Olympic journey that transcends the game itself. From his debut in the 2004 Athens Games to his fifth appearance in Tokyo 2021, Scola has been a key player in Argentina's memorable basketball triumphs.
Throughout his Olympic career, Scola witnessed the USA's dominance in men's basketball, securing seven out of eight gold medals between 1992 and 2021. The standout moment came in 2004 when Argentina upset the USA in the semifinals in Athens, eventually clinching the gold medal.
\"All five of them were the highlights of my career,\" Scola said. \"I'm very, very excited that I had the chance to be in the Olympics so many times and do the things we did.\"
Despite Argentina's success on the court, Scola emphasizes that the Olympics embody much more than sports. \"The Olympics are probably the best experience in sports,\" he remarked. \"I believe they go beyond basketball and sports in general. It's a socio-cultural event that is way beyond basketball and sports.\"
As the 2024 Olympic Games approach in Paris, Scola won't be competing as an athlete but remains an enthusiastic spectator. He particularly enjoys the introduction of 3×3 basketball, first featured in Tokyo 2020, as well as watching football. \"It's a fun way to play basketball, so I'm all for it,\" he said.
Scola also appreciates the variety of sports showcased during the Olympics, offering a unique opportunity to engage with events that are less prominent during the regular year. \"One of the good things about the Olympics is the fact that you get in contact with a whole bunch of sports that are harder to follow during the year,\" he added. \"I think it was a great experience.\"
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Argentine basketball legend Scola: Olympics goes beyond sports
cgtn.com
