In a surprising move during the quarter-final match against Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, French coach Vincent Collet opted to bench NBA star Rudy Gobert, who had undergone surgery just hours prior to the game. Despite Gobert's absence, the French team excelled, showcasing their depth with standout performances from players like Evan Fournier and Isaïa Cordinier. Gobert, recovering from a finger injury, is expected to return for the semi-final against Germany, leaving the decision of his playtime up to Collet. The anticipated pairing of Gobert and rising star Victor Wembanyama, initially thought to dominate, may still be in the cards as the team adapts its strategy. Meanwhile, athlete Sasha Zhoya sparked discussions on gender norms in sports attire, advocating for more inclusive clothing choices at the Olympics, although he chose not to wear a skirt during the opening ceremony to avoid drawing attention to himself. As the Games progress, both the French basketball team and individual athletes like Zhoya are making headlines, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Olympics.
Rudy Gobert's Surgery Surprises as French Team Shines in Olympic Quarter-Finals; Sasha Zhoya Advocates for Gender Equality in Sports Attire
2024-08-06T20:23:35.078Z