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One of Australia's most prominent batters Steve Smith has set his sights on competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. He openly acknowledges that earning a spot on the national T20I team for the prestigious event will be a difficult and 'tricky' undertaking, far from a guaranteed selection. Despite the significant challenges he anticipates, particularly as he will be 39 years old by the time the Games commence, the seasoned cricketer is not discouraged. As reported by Sky Sports, Smith is determined to make a serious bid for selection and is prepared to fight for his Olympic dream, driven by the desire to stand on the podium and win a medal for his country.
Steve Smith on why he might miss 2028 Olympics
Smith's ambition is heightened by the historic significance of cricket's return to the Olympic programme. The sport is set to make its long-awaited comeback in Los Angeles after a 128-year absence, having last been featured in the 1900 Games. Since the announcement, Smith has been consistently vocal about his eagerness to represent Australia on this global stage.
"I mean, it is a goal of mine to try and make that Olympic team in 28. I think, you know, the team's doing pretty well at the moment, the Australian T20 team. So it's going to be tricky to get in there, but you know, just got to keep putting my best foot forward, and we'll never know," Smith told Sky Sports.
"Yeah, I mean, I've watched a lot of Olympics since I was a young kid and really enjoyed watching the Australian athletes go about it. So, you know, when I heard that cricket was going to be a part of it, I was like, that would be really cool to be involved," the 36-year-old added.
Throughout his decorated career, Steve Smith has participated in cricket's most prestigious events, including World Cups, the Champions Trophy, and World Test Championship finals, alongside legendary rivalries. However, he is particularly drawn to the unique prospect of the Olympic Games, expressing excitement for the opportunity to be part of a competition with such a vast and diverse global audience.
While Smith remains a central figure in Australia's Test squad, his position in the T20I format is less certain. He is not currently a regular member of the T20I team, with his most recent appearance in the format being against New Zealand in February 2024. This makes his journey towards an Olympic berth a significant challenge.
Looking ahead, his inclusion in Australia's plans for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year is still undecided. His selection, or omission, for this major tournament will likely provide a clear indication of his standing in the format and whether his Olympic aspirations are a realistic goal.
"So, you know, I've obviously played in, you know, lots of World Cups and Ashes and uh Border Gavaskar Trophy and things like that, but um yeah, when this popped up, it was something new and another opportunity to, you know, represent your country on a world stage. So, yeah, it was like I'd love to be involved in that, but it's still a fair way away. So, we'll see," Smith concluded.
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