Video: WNBA Star Cameron Brink Has Emotional Reaction to Olympics News
The past few months have been a whirlwind for Cameron Brink. The former Stanford basketball star joined the WNBA and has been balancing playing for the Los Angeles Sparks and doing endorsement deals like a recent Skims ad. Now, in the midst of her rookie WNBA season, the power forward is heading to the Olympics.
On June 3, USA Basketball shared a video on social media showing the moment Brink learned she'd been chosen to represent the United States in Paris on the women's 3x3 Olympic basketball team. It's only the second time in Olympic history that 3x3 basketball will be played, making her offer that much more of an honor.
Jay Demings, the 3x3 national team director for USA Basketball, delivered the news to Brink himself. "The 3x3 selection committee met and on behalf of the committee and USA Basketball's board of directors, we're going to offer you a spot on the 3x3 Olympic team," he said.
Brink immediately broke down in tears as Demings handed her her official Olympic jersey. "It feels absolutely surreal," she confessed. "I was not expecting this whatsoever, but I've worked very hard for this. I love the coaches, the committee, everything, so I'm just beyond thankful."
"I'm most excited to be an Olympian. It's been a dream my whole life and the opportunity to win a gold medal, especially with this group [is great]," she said proudly. "I just honestly can't even put it into words. It's insane."
Brink is no stranger to 3x3 play. Last year, she led the national 3x3 team to victory in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup and was named the tournament's MVP. She'll be joined in Paris by her World Cup teammates Cierra Burdick and Hailey Van Lith as well as Rhyne Howard.
The 2024 Summer Olympics women's 3x3 basketball tournament kicks off in Paris on July 30 and ends Aug. 5.