Great Britain’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams to play in Olympics

This interesting article focuses on Great Britain’s Men’s and Women’s National Basketball teams. FIBA (International Basketball Federation) voted 17-3 in favor of Great Britain competing in the 2012 London Olympic Games in Men’s and Women’s Basketball. There is however an attached condition that Britain’s sport governing structure be resolved by June 20, 2012. This date is earlier than the previous deadline of 2016.

The last time Britain competed in the Olympic Games for Basketball was back in 1948 when the Olympic Games were hosted in London. Britain is not known for its Basketball around the world, however when Britain hosts the Olympic Games it is smart for the Olympic Committee to allow Britain to compete in their home games  especially since they will draw more fan/crowd support.

FIBA told Britain that if they had evidence that they could put together a Men’s and Women’s Basketball team that would be able to compete against the other competitive countries like the US then they would take into consideration that they could compete in the 2012 London Olympics when there country hosts the summer games. British Basketball is composed of three countries; England, Scotland and Wales. They have decided to merge as one or disband into their own individual team.

I thought this article was interesting because Britain, the host country for the 2012 Olympic summer games was not guaranteed a team in their home event. I suppose we Americans take it for granted that whenever we host the Olympic Games our teams are guaranteed a place in the event since we tend to win  many of the medals and compete well against the best of the best. Much attention will be given to Great Britain’s team at the 2012 Olympics especially since it last competed at the 1948 Olympic Games.

Link to Website: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/mar/13/great-britain-basketball-london-olympics