Australia's 3x3 basketball team have capped off a remarkable 2018 Youth Olympic campaign with a bronze medal.
Coming into the Games as one of the lowest ranked teams, having only started playing 3x3 a week before the Youth Olympics.
After suffering a 20-19 overtime defeat earlier in the day to France in the semi-final, Australia were able to bounce back in the bronze medal match.
The team of Alex Fowler, Ruby Porter, Sara-Rose Smith and Rosie Deegan defeated China 16-13 to clinch a spot on the podium.
“It’s a surreal feeling, to be standing on the podium in front of the whole world representing Australia, I can’t describe it,” Smith told olympics.com.au.
“To see the sea of green and gold out there supporting us, winning bronze, it’s an incredible feeling,” she said.
What an experience, and what a fitting reward for these young ladies. Unbelievably tough & resilient & all about working for each other, congratulations once again 👏🏽 #TeamAus @AUSOlympicTeam @BasketballAus pic.twitter.com/ZHoubtSEWK
— Gerard Hillier (@CoachBigGee) October 17, 2018
It wasn't the best start to the game for the Aussies, trailing by 4 points early on but with 30 seconds left on the clock, Australia knew they would be standing on the podium.
During an emotional celebration, there wasn't a dry eye between the players, the support staff and families watching on.
“My brother grabbed me after the game, he started crying, I started crying, he kept saying ‘I’m so proud of you’ – I’m so blessed to have my family over here supporting,” said Smith.
“It’s a true blessing to have our family and supporters over here,” she said.
The USA took gold in the basketball 3x3 with an 18-4 win over France.
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