NBA fans were stunned to find out that Syla Swords would be representing Team Canada in the upcoming Olympic games. To those who might not be aware, the Olympics are an international sports event that occurs once every 4 years. The 2024 Paris Olympics will be an opportunity for the best athletes from across the world to compete and display their dominance on a global scale.
The sport of basketball is no exception and is included in the Olympics. While one would assume that teams would send their most experienced players to represent their country in the Olympics, Canada has shown an incredible amount of faith in Sword. By including her on their basketball roster, Canada has also made history. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
Syla Swords comes from a family of basketball players
Upon hearing that Syla Swords is only 18 years old, fans were shocked to hear that she was selected to be a part of their Olympics squad. After all, Syla just recently completed her high school education and is just starting college.
Syla Swords. Olympian.
18 Years Old. The youngest basketball player to ever suit up at the Olympics for Canada.
NCAA watch out next year, this is only the beginning. pic.twitter.com/mNMrhI9k2m
— LuHi Girls Basketball (@LuHiGBasketball) July 2, 2024
Swords is no stranger to the game and had a lot of exposure from the beginning. Her father is a former Canadian basketball star named Shawn Swords. Syla was born when her father was still playing. She likely felt a good connection with the sport and began playing.
Over the years, Syla has already represented Team Canada at international events such as the U-17 and U-19 FIBA World Cup. Therefore, it would be fair to claim that she is quite experienced and battle-tested. Given that Syla Swords averaged 15 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists at the U-19 FIBA World Cup, she will certainly be considered an asset to the team heading into the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Michigan Women’s Basketball Program has been a huge success
Women’s basketball is growing at an impressive rate and gaining more attention from the world of sports. Female athletes are being scouted and selected by colleges. The University of Michigan recognized that Syla Swords had talent and had her commit to their team in November 2023.
In any case, Syla Swords is facing the task of representing her team on the International stage as an adult. Whatever the outcome may be, she is expected to get better and has the potential to even make it to the WNBA.