What Olympics, representing Australia, means to basketball star

Cairns-based basketball star Cayla George has opened up about what representing the Australian Opals means most to her in a refreshingly raw and open interview.

CAIRNS-based basketball star Cayla George has opened up about what representing the Australian Opals means most to her in a refreshingly raw and open interview.

George has joined her Australian-based Opals teammates at the Gold Coast for a training camp, as coach Sandy Brondello plots their path to Olympic glory at Tokyo later this year.

In the two-and-a-half minute piece released by Basketball Australia this week, George shed tears as she passionately spoke about how important wearing the green and gold is for not only her as an athlete or individual, but impact it has on those around her.

“It means more than I can probably put into words,” George said.

“As a kid, you want to represent your country, you want to go to the Olympics, and to me, it was always I just wanted to prove not only to myself, but to my family, make my family proud.

Cayla George in action for the Boomers. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“Because the ripple effect it can have on the people around you is huge, right? So I wanted to do it not just for myself, but the people around me.

“It’s probably the most favourite team I’ll play for in my whole career.

“To be at the Olympic Games and standing in line with your teammates, singing the anthem and to represent not only your country, but your family, and the people who have helped you get there - coaches, teammates, everyone along the way.”

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George said being part of the Australian set-up was a not only a professional honour, but a personal one which meant a lot more than just sport.

“It’s a long, long journey I’ve had and to make my family proud is something I’m most excited about,” she said.

“My grandpa’s 87, almost 88, and he still goes and has a small, little thing of whiskey with his mates down at the pub, and he still talks about me, my achievements - he’s so proud. It’s those little moments like that that make it more special.

“I’m working hard for me to make the team, but in my mind it’s always bigger than me, it’s always been bigger than me and the ripple effect it has on my family and the country.”

Cairns-based Australian Opals basketballer Cayla George. PICTURE: Basketball Australia

George played for Phoenix Fierce in the Cairns Netball Division 1 competition throughout the COVID-affected 2020 in a bid to stay fit and feed her competitive streak while her normal basketball life was turned upside down.

She returned to her primary sport at the end of the year, suiting up for the Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL.

The competition’s North Queensland hub allowed her the opportunity to play for the Boomers in front of her adopted home crowd, the much-loved “forward centre” getting plenty of support from the Cairns crowd.

Melbourne Boomers' Cayla George. Picture: Evan Morgan

George is set to play for Mackay in the NBL1 North competition in 2021, and provided all goes to plan she will be in Tokyo for her second Olympic Games campaign later this year.

Her experience, both in the WNBL and at national level, have made her a leader of sorts in this Opals side, and it’s a role she is taking to with enthusiasm.

“This week I’m really hoping to bring a whole new level of leadership,” she said.

“I really want to make the young girls feel really good about themselves and confident, I’m going to put you under my wing and make sure you’re good so you’re feeling comfortable and playing your best basketball.”

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Originally published as What Olympics, representing Australia, means to basketball star