The legendary Australian basketball player Lauren Jackson has cemented her status as a member of sports royalty. Her name now belongs in a special category with legendary players like Serena Williams (tennis), Roger Federer (tennis), and Tom Brady (American football). However, how did she come to be recognized?
Tom Brady, the NFL superstar, hung up his boots at 45 after a glittering career adorned with seven Super Bowl wins. Tennis maestro Roger Federer bid adieu to the courts at 41, while Serena Williams, with 23 Grand Slam titles, stepped away at the same age. These athletes have set the bar for longevity and success in sports, and now, Lauren Jackson has earned her place among these illustrious names.
“It’s been a season, a lesson of persistence, patience, and process, really. When I came into training camp, I hadn’t done any one-on-one or five-on-five or anything like that because I was coming off my ruptured Achilles and broken foot,” Jackson said to this masthead.
Lauren Jackson’s Journey
At 42, Lauren Jackson is eyeing her fifth Olympics, balancing the rigours of training with the joys of motherhood. Her recent performances for the Southside Flyers in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) grand final series have been nothing short of remarkable. Scoring a game-high 38 points and 11 rebounds in one game and following it up with a team-high 21 points and six rebounds in another, Jackson has proven that her competitive fire burns as brightly as ever
Jackson’s season has been a lesson in persistence, patience, and process. Initially held back to protect her from further injury, she found it challenging to regain her flow. However, as the season progressed, her timing, confidence, and performance improved, culminating in a back half of the season where she got “better and better.” This approach mirrors the careers of Brady, Federer, and Williams, who all managed their twilight years with a blend of caution and courage.
The fact that Lauren Jackson is among the exclusive group of sports superstars is a testimonial to her unwavering talent and resilient nature. Her tale still motivates competitors around the globe as she gets ready for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Age truly can be defied with perseverance, dedication, and a little bit of skill, as this story illustrates. It goes beyond the realm of basketball.
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