Kristi's Story
Kristi Willoughby (Harrower) won three consecutive silver medals as a member of the Australian women’s basketball team in 2000, 2004 and 2008 before taking home bronze at the London 2012 Games. Born in Victoria, Harrower proved herself as one of the finest point guards competing on the world stage. Her floor leadership and court sense made her a star for the Opals, leading the tournament in assists in Beijing.
In her first three Olympic campaigns, the team reached the final only to lose to its arch-rival the United States. In London the Aussies faced the USA earlier than expected after losing a key preliminary game against France (74-70) which relegated the Opals to second in their pool. After defeating China in the quarter-final (75-60), the Australians and Americans faced off in the gold medal qualifier. Again the USA emerged victorious (86-73) and went on to win another gold medal over France. Harrower and the Aussies wrapped up their campaign with a win over Russia (83-74) to take the bronze medal.
Harrower was a key contributor when the Opals won the 2006 World Championship- Australia’s first senior world title in the sport. She has also enjoyed an exceptional professional career with teams in Australia, the United States and Europe.
