Argentine basketball legend Luis Scola knows a thing or two about the Olympic Games. From his debut in 2004 to his final appearance in 2021, Scola has been a cornerstone of Argentina's basketball success, participating in five Olympics and carving out some unforgettable moments along the way.
Back in 2004, at the Athens Olympics, Scola and his teammates did the unthinkable: they defeated the dominant USA men's basketball team in the semifinals, a squad that had clinched seven of the eight gold medals since 1992. That victory not only broke the USA's winning streak but also led Argentina to its first Olympic gold in men's basketball. 🥇🏀
\"All five of them were the highlights of my career,\" Scola said, reflecting on his Olympic journey. \"I'm very, very excited that I had the chance to be in the Olympics so many times and do the things we did.\"
But for Scola, the Olympics transcend the boundaries of the court. \"The Olympics are probably the best experience in sports,\" he shared. \"I think the Olympics go beyond basketball, definitely go beyond basketball. But also, I believe they go beyond sports in general. I think it is a social cultural event that is way beyond basketball and sports.\"
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, Scola won't be suiting up as an athlete, but he's eager to enjoy the games as a spectator. One event that has caught his eye is 3×3 basketball, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020. \"I think it's a different game. It's fun. I like it a lot. I'm very happy that they play 3×3 in the Olympics,\" Scola said. \"I think it's a fun way to play basketball, so I'm all for it.\"
When it comes to watching sports, Scola doesn't limit himself to basketball. \"I watch some soccer in the Olympics, but most of the time I watch other sports,\" he admitted. \"It's just like soccer is played all year round. But I think the Olympics, one of the good things about the Olympics is the fact that you get in contact with a whole bunch of sports that during the year are harder to follow. So I usually, the Olympics provide that opportunity and watch other sports. I think it was a great experience.\"
From his gold medal victory to his appreciation for the cultural phenomenon that is the Olympics, Luis Scola continues to inspire both on and off the court. His journey reminds us that the Olympic spirit is about more than medals—it's about unity, culture, and the love of the game. 🌍✨
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Argentine basketball legend Scola: Olympics goes beyond sports
cgtn.com
