By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Spain emerged victorious at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, booking a ticket for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Therefore, Rudy Fernandez will have his last dance in France, but before hanging up his shoes, he’ll write his name in the history books once again.
The Real Madrid legend will play in his sixth Olympic Games, a feat that no other basketball player has ever achieved.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to experience another Olympic Games. Hard work pays off. We believed, we competed well, and we were very aggressive. I am grateful to the people of Valencia for their support and for pushing us to be part of another Olympic Games,” Rudy said to the Spanish media after the game.
The upcoming Games in Paris will be very special for the 39-year-old forward, who is set to end his illustrious career this summer.
“I have to enjoy this Olympics. It’s something I promised my father when he passed away, and I am very grateful for all the hard work I’ve put in and for continuing to enjoy this journey with la Familia.”
La emoción de Rudy Fernández que ve cómo hará historia al jugar sus 6º JJOO pic.twitter.com/YGUY1XWy1z
— Pasion Basket (@PasionBasketNBA) July 7, 2024
He’s aware of his role as one of the leaders of this Spanish team.
“This is the spirit of the Family, the spirit that helps us keep growing. I’ve been playing with the national team for two decades, and this is what our veteran players have passed on to us. Now, as veterans, we try to instill this commitment in the younger players, emphasizing the importance of the Family name. We may have stars or no stars, but if we compete together and represent what we stand for, we usually achieve great things.”
Rudy will add another achievement in the national team’s jersey to a long list that includes four Eurobasket titles (2009, 2011, 2015, and 2022), two World Cups (2006 and 2019), and two silver (2008 and 2012) and one Olympic bronze medal (2016).
“Competing and being with the national team is something very special, and I have experienced it for almost 20 years. I feel very fortunate to be able to live this every day and to continue doing so,” Rudy Fernandez said.