The Spanish Olympic committee couldn’t have elected a better spokesperson than Lakers forward Pau Gasol. The seven-footer has been actively promoting his country in an attempt to land the 2020 games.
In a battle with Tokyo and Istanbul to host sport’s biggest event, Madrid fell short after the International Olympic Committee selected Tokyo in secret voting as the winning city.
Gasol was an instrumental part of Madrid’s bid over the past week but was defeated Saturday.
Thanks to all that have supported @Madrid2020ES . I will always remember the emotion and commitment that we have proven as a great team.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 7, 2013
Although the 33-year-old wouldn’t play in 2020 Olympics, Gasol attempted to set a home stage for his brother Marc and point guard Ricky Rubio who are both poised to become leaders of the team.
Gasol has a long list of achievements with the Spanish national team: Gold at the FIBA Europe Under-18 and Under-19 Championships, Gold at the EuroBasket 2011, MVP of the 2006 FIBA World Championship and Silver at the 2012 Olympics.
We know Gasol is a class act, even though his hard work came up short, he congratulated the winners.
Congrats to Tokyo for hosting the Olympic Games of 2020. Even if we weren’t the chosen ones, I’m proud of the work of our delegation.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 7, 2013
Spain hasn’t hosted the Olympics since 1992 when Barcelona had the summer games.
The economic impact for the country would have been huge according to Gasol.
Spanish sport and the people of Madrid need the boost the Olympic Games would provide, and Madrid is ready to face this challenge. We are a city that is prepared with a responsible bid plan that will help develop sport far into the future.
Now the Lakers star will turn his attention to training camp which opens in several weeks.
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Brett Poirier is a contributor to Sheridan Hoops. Follow @BrettNBA