MIES (Switzerland) - The last time Australia hosted the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Opals' legend Lauren Jackson was just 12 years old and a kid with big basketball dreams.

Fast forward to the current day from that moment when she was inspired watching the 1994 edition and Jackson can reflect on a truly amazing legacy. 

As well as four Olympic medals, two WNBA Championships and six WNBL titles, she also landed three FIBA Women's  Basketball World Cup medals, including the famous title success of 2006.

Now appointed as ambassador for the  FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in her homeland, Jackson is adamant that hosting the flagship tournament will have a similarly pivotal and inspirational impact.

"I was one of the kids watching Oz ’94, so I know how it impacted my desire to be an Opal one day and truly inspired me to take the next step," said Jackson. "I remember thinking at that point, I am going to play for Australia one day. I am going to be the best, I am going to be doing that.

"If you think about Penny Taylor, Suzy Batkovic and Belinda Snell, we were all around the same age, so our group came as a direct result of the World Cup in Oz '94. We saw that happening, we were the next generation and what we were able to achieve off the back of that was just so special.

 
"The awesome thing about having a home World Cup is that it does inspire the next generation," continued Jackson, who was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia and is also currently celebrating her birthday.

"All of a sudden you've got this next crew of kids that have seen this incredible pathway to the very, very elite - the best basketballers in the world on home soil."

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup clearly holds a special place in the heart of Jackson and she is eager to underline what an opportunity it is for her compatriots and her country to shine as hosts.

 
She stated: "It's what every athlete dreams of - playing, representing their country and winning things, so it's the pinnacle of the sport. Every four years, it's what all of the coaches and player are working towards, it's very special.

"Looking back on my career, I would have always wanted to have played a World Cup at home. There is nothing better than being able to compete in front of a home crowd, it lifts you to a new level, being able to wear the green and gold and represent your country in your own backyard.

"I feel really honored to be the ambassador for this event. I love this sport so much and I am still giving my life to it, but being able to be part of the World Cup in a different capacity is such a huge honor and a testament to my carer as an Opal," she concluded.

FIBA