Steve Smith Eyes Olympic Spot Amidst Tough Competition for T20I Team
Steve Smith's Olympic Aspirations
London [UK], August 15: Australian cricket star Steve Smith has acknowledged that securing a position in the T20I squad for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will be a challenging endeavor. Despite the hurdles he faces, the experienced player is determined to strive for his goal, as reported by a leading sports outlet.
Cricket's return to the Olympic Games has been highly anticipated, with the sport last appearing in 1900. After a lengthy absence of 128 years, cricket is set to make its comeback at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics.
Smith has consistently expressed his desire to represent Australia in this prestigious event. By the time the Olympics arrive, he will be 39 years old and is eager to compete for one of the coveted podium spots.
“It’s definitely a goal of mine to make the Olympic team in 2028. The Australian T20 team is performing well, so it will be tough to secure a spot, but I’ll keep pushing myself, and we’ll see what happens,” Smith shared.
Having watched the Olympics since childhood, Smith has always admired Australian athletes. The news of cricket's inclusion in the Games excited him, as he expressed, “When I heard cricket would be part of it, I thought it would be amazing to be involved.”
Throughout his career, Smith has participated in numerous World Cups, Champions Trophy matches, and intense rivalries. However, the prospect of competing on such a global stage is particularly thrilling for him.
“I’ve played in many World Cups and Ashes series, but this opportunity feels fresh and exciting. It’s another chance to represent my country on a world stage, and I’d love to be part of it, although it’s still a bit far off,” he noted.
After retiring from ODIs following a disappointing Champions Trophy, Smith has not been a regular in Australia’s T20I setup, with his last match in this format occurring in February 2024 against New Zealand.
As the T20 World Cup approaches in India and Sri Lanka next year, it remains to be seen if Smith will be included in Australia’s plans for this significant tournament.