Sue Bird is leading USA Women’s basketball into Olympic history
Since 2004 Sue Bird has represented the United States on the Women’s basketball team at the Olympics. This year she is one of the flag bearers. Bird and her teammates hope to deliver a historic seventh straight gold medal.
At 40 years old, Sue Bird is the oldest player on the USA women’s basketball team. Actually, she’s also the oldest player in the WNBA. Since 2002 when Bird was drafted number one by the Seattle Storm, the perennial All-Star has been a champion.
How it started
Being a champion started early for Sue. At Christ the King High School in Syosset, NY, she was a star. At the University of Connecticut, she helped her team win two NCAAW championships. While at UCONN, they had a 114-4 record. And as you read this, the Seattle Storm are on the brink of their fourth championship. Everywhere she goes, she wins.
A WNBA Champion
Over her career, Sue has garnered award after award. Not only is she the oldest player in the WNBA, but she is also definitely one of the greatest. During her 17 seasons with the Storm, Bird has been an 11-time All-Star, a three-time champion, and a four-time Olympic gold medalist.
Sue Bird is also top five all-time in steals and number seven in total points. In addition, she holds the WNBA all-time assist record. The woman is dynamic.
A true Olympian
Now, she will carry one of the flags for the United States in the opening ceremony. It is an honor not bestowed on many. Sue Bird truly deserves to carry it. Bird has represented the United States with everything she has to bring home those gold medals. In an interview with Percy Allen of the Seattle Times, Sue had this to say:
This is definitely my last Olympics. That’s for sure. I can confidently say that. I think it’s time, I think there’s a variety of reasons if that makes sense. But I’m done.
She didn’t say this was her last season as a Seattle Storm, but at age 40, could that be far behind? But, of course, that’s a question for another time after she brings home her fifth gold medal.
From PNWS, congratulations to Sue Bird, and best of luck to all of our Olympic athletes!