Forward Rebecca Allen has today been ruled out of the Australian Women’s Basketball Team for the Paris Olympic Games due to injury, and will be replaced by Amy Atwell.
Bec, 31, aggravated a hamstring injury during the teams’ final practice match against Canada in Segovia, Spain on Tuesday evening and underwent scans in the Paris Olympic Village Polyclinic yesterday to determine the extent of the injury.
Scans confirmed a high grade hamstring injury deeming Bec medically unfit to take part in the Olympic Games.
“I have been looking forward to these Games for a long time and am absolutely devastated but I will now focus my energies on recovery and supporting my Opals sisters,” Bec said.
Head Coach Sandy Brondello said she and the team were devasted for Bec who was due to play in her second Olympics.
“Bec is such a big part of our team and has been for a long time, we are all devastated for her. This injury has come at a really unfortunate time and the call had to be made upon medical advice.
Unfortunately she was not going to recover in time to play in these Games.
“Amy Atwell has been part of this Olympic squad all year and with us in Spain for our practice matches. She will now come into the team and all the staff and players have every confidence in Amy,” Brondello said.
“This group has a really strong bond and connection and we will lock in, stay focused and continue our preparation for game one against Nigeria."
Twenty-six-year-old Amy will make her Olympic debut.
The Opals begin their Olympic campaign on Monday 29 July.