Tough Day for Australia at the Olympics: Opals and Garside Face Disappointments

Australia is feeling the heat at the Olympics after a tough day for two of its medal hopefuls. The Opals faced an unexpected loss against Nigeria, dropping their first game 75-62, leaving them in a bit of a pickle as they try to get through the group stage.

Lauren Jackson, who returned for her first Olympics since 2012, couldn’t hide her disappointment. She described the game as a “disaster” and emphasized that making free throws could have changed the game’s outcome.

Initially, the Opals started strong with an 8-2 lead, thanks to Ezi Magbegor and Jade Melbourne‘s early contributions. However, things took a turn as Nigeria fought back, and Australia went into halftime trailing 41-28.

As the game progressed, the Opals tried to rally but found themselves struggling with turnovers, ending the first half with 16 mistakes. Head coach Sandy Brondello called a timeout after Nigeria took the lead, highlighting the unreliability of their game.

Meanwhile, boxer Harry Garside also had a disappointing day, losing in the Round of 16 to Hungary’s Richard Kovacs. Despite being favored to win, Garside was unable to capitalize on his chances, stumbling with his performances in the later rounds.

After the tough loss, Garside expressed his feelings of numbness and disappointment, knowing he put in two decades of hard work toward his Olympic dream. He even helped his opponent exit the ring in a show of sportsmanship.

On a brighter note, the Australian women’s rugby sevens team topped their pool after defeating Ireland 19-14. They made a fast start and dominated much of the match, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

Australia’s Chris Burton is still in medal contention in equestrian, having performed solidly across different phases. It was a day filled with mixed emotions for Australia at the Olympic Games, showcasing both heartbreak and hope as events continue.