WNBA All-Star Game MVP, Arike Ogunbowale, recently made headlines when she announced her decision to withdraw from the Olympic roster pool. In an interview on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Ogunbowale revealed that she had actually removed herself from Olympic consideration several months prior, citing feeling unwanted and expressing concerns about the “politics” involved.
While Ogunbowale did not provide specific details about the politics she referred to, she emphasized that she did not feel like she was a desired member of this year’s Olympic squad. She mentioned that being part of the Team USA camps and keeping her name in the pool required a significant commitment, and if she already had doubts about her chances of making the team, she saw it fit to remove herself from consideration.
The Dallas Wings player highlighted the subjectivity of selection criteria in women’s basketball and in professional sports in general. She acknowledged the presence of politics in various levels of the game, from college to the WNBA, and expressed her belief that great players sometimes get left out while less skilled ones make the cut.
Ogunbowale’s decision to withdraw from the Olympic roster pool was based on her own self-assurance and confidence in her abilities. She stated that regardless of whether she made the team or not, she felt blessed to have the opportunity to play the game and showcase her skills. With accolades such as earning All-WNBA honors and being the league’s scoring champion, Ogunbowale has proven herself as a standout player in the WNBA.
As Team USA prepares for their first game against Japan, Ogunbowale’s absence from the roster pool raises questions about the selection process and the factors that come into play when assembling a competitive Olympic team. Despite her decision, Ogunbowale remains focused on her career and committed to continuing to excel on the court.
With her scoring prowess and determination, Arike Ogunbowale’s presence on the court will be missed by fans and teammates alike. As she moves forward with her career in the WNBA, her decision to withdraw from Olympic consideration sheds light on the complexities of elite-level competition and the personal considerations that athletes must weigh when pursuing their athletic goals.
