The final spots for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were secured in an exciting finale of the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which took place in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, May 19.
In the men’s competition, France, Lithuania, and Poland they were proved to be formidable competitors, taking home podium finishes and much-desired trips to Paris. Germany, Spain, and Canada secured their berths in the 2024 Games after impressive results in the women’s competition.
A fierce final saw the 32 teams (16 men’s and 16 women’s) battle it for the final Paris 2024 quotas. Lithuania and France won their respective semi-finals to guarantee their spots in the men’s competition, while Poland battled valiantly against Mongolia to take home the final spot.
Final spots: FIBA 3×3
With heartbreaking defeats against France 21-20 in the semifinal and Poland 22-20 in the third-place playoff, Mongolia’s hopes of making it to their first Olympics in 3×3 basketball ended.
In an exciting game, the Mongolians were up 20–19 and about to win when Timothé Vergiat’s game-winning two-point basket guaranteed France a spot in the home-court Olympic competition.
World Cup silver medallists Lithuania made it easier on their way to qualification with an emphatic 21-15 win over Poland. In the women’s semi-finals, Spain defeated Canada with a thrilling 19-18 victory, while Germany defeated Hungary 19-17 in a closely contested match.
Gracia Alonso’s late shot proved to be the difference. In the third-place game, Canada quickly got back on track, defeating Hungary 21–10 to dominate.
The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have the only right to represent teams in the Olympic Games; hence, athletes’ participation in Paris 2024 is dependent on the NOC’s choice. In the world’s most prominent sporting arena, this vital function guarantees that every delegation is meticulously selected, showcasing elite potential and emulating national pride.
Cover Photo: IG
Megan Keith of Britain wins in London, secure a spot at the 2024 Olympics