Lauren Jackson backs Liz Cambage to compete at Tokyo Games amid boycott threats

Liz Cambage is disappointed with a lack of racial equality within the Australian Olympic Committee and has threatened to boycott this year’s Tokyo Olympics, but officials are confident she will play.

Australia’s greatest player Lauren Jackson has backed star Opals centre Liz Cambage’s stance on racial equality and is confident she will play at the Tokyo Olympics despite her boycott threats to “sit out”.

Cambage caused a storm on Friday when she shared two images – one of a Jockey advertisement as it was unveiled as the official underwear supplier for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams and one shot from the Australian Olympic Committee’s uniform unveiling.

She slammed the photos for the lack of diversity with Cambage writing on the Jockey ad: “If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times, HOW AM I MEANT TO REPRESENT A COUNTRY THAT DOESN’T EVEN REPRESENT ME.”

Cambage also called on Australians to “wake up”, calling the current culture “whitewashed”, which attracted mixed reactions.

Lauren Jackson backs Liz Cambage to compete at Tokyo Games amid boycott threats. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Jackson support’s Cambage’s push for racial equality, and would love to see her competing at this Tokyo Games to help the Australians win another medal.

“Liz is one of the finest players that we’ve ever had representing us,” Jackson said in Sydney on Monday.

“She has been a core part of the Opals for the past decade, and it would be fitting to see her on the dais in Tokyo.

“The Opals are ranked second in the world and have a really great opportunity to claim the gold medal, in both Tokyo and the World Cup next year.

“I really hope that she is a part of that group – she is very important to the team.

“The AOC have responded and are looking at constitutional change and from my perspective I support the right of any person to express their opinions in a constructive and respectful manner.

“Liz has got a platform and it is a very important issue, and I support her fighting racial inequality.”

The Opals announce a final squad for the Tokyo Olympics in early July, and Cambage is expected to be named and officials are confident she will play at the Games this July and August.