Opals Captain Jenna O’Hea unable to compete at FIBA Olympic Qualifier due to injury
On Sunday January 12, O’Hea was injured during the Southside Flyers win over the Melbourne Boomers and on Monday, scans revealed that O’Hea had broken her wrist and would require surgery.
Opals Doctor, Greg Macleod, is expecting O’Hea to be sidelined for 10 – 12 weeks, being back to full competitive play by the 12-week mark. This rehab period will allow O’Hea time to prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“Not going to the Olympic Qualifying tournament is disappointing and of course missing the remainder of the season for Southside Flyers,” said O’Hea.
“But my Opals teammates know that I will be watching and cheering them on, we are focused on Tokyo but there are games to win in France as a first step.”
Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello said the exclusion of O’Hea from the Olympic Qualifier is a huge loss for the Opals.
“We will definitely miss her talent and leadership however, it offers all her Opal teammates a chance to step up and collectively absorb what her presence would normally deliver,” said Brondello.
Southside Flyers will continue to be represented in the Opals team with O’Hea being replaced by WNBL teammate Sara Blicavs. Blicavs has previously represented the Opals at the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championships where they received gold.
Opals Captain Jenna O’Hea has suffered a wrist injury and will no longer be available for the FIBA Olympic Qualifier from February 6-9 in Bourges, France.
Basketball Australia
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