GB Olympic dream over – highlights and reaction

9th February 2020

Great Britain’s 79-69 defeat to Spain in the third game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament spelled the end of the bid to get to Tokyo 2020.

Coach Chema Buceta expressed his pride in his players following a brave attempt to get the better of the European Champions in Belgrade on Sunday.

He spoke of his gratitude for the passionate efforts of his squad in his post-match press conference alongside Temi Fagbenle, who was named in the tournament’s All Star Five.

🎖| @TemiFagbenle has been named in the #FIBAOQT All-Star Five! #BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/aYrqB2KGWf
— GB Basketball (@gbbasketball) February 9, 2020

Here’s what Chema said:

Here’s is how Jo Leedham-Warner reacted:

I’m absolutely devastated.if u know me u know i’m straight and direct. I’m not happy with what we achieved or just getting this far.I EXPECTED THIS. I EXPECT GREAT THINGS OF MYSELF EVERYTIME I STEP ON THE COURT ESPECIALLY IN A GB 🇬🇧 VEST.this will hurt for a while.
— Joey Leedham-Warner OLY (@joey_leedham13) February 10, 2020

And the British basketball community showed their pride in the team after their shot at another Olympic Games was denied.

Gutted for @chemabuceta and @gbbasketball players, what they've done over last couple of years has been sensational. They deserved the reward at the end, to come so close is heartbreaking. Proud of their achievements
— Daniel Routledge (@dan_routledge) February 9, 2020

An incredible journey against all odds. Going 5-1 to qualify for #EuroBasketWomen 2019 which led to a remarkable run to the semi-finals. And then coming within touching distance of a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Inspirational. 🇬🇧#BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/GRvIs1PMdw
— Hoopsfix Women (@HoopsfixWomen) February 9, 2020

Whilst @gbbasketball women and @chemabuceta will be distraught at just missing out on the ticket to #Tokyo2020 their contribution to our sport over the last few years has been both immense and inspirational.
Their legacy must be far better investment at elite level 🏀🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
— Andrew Warrington (@Buzby10) February 9, 2020

Hold your heads high ladies. You will hurt reflecting the determination/passion you play with despite the many off court challenges thrown at you in the sport. Reflect then wear the positive glasses again and continue the fight for the sport you love 🏀@gbbasketball @chemabuceta
— kim gregory (@dr_kimgregory) February 9, 2020

The dream might be over but we are so proud of this @gbbasketball team

Report and reaction ➡️ https://t.co/wD7m42zFQz #TogetherWeAreBasketbALL pic.twitter.com/n9P9Wh99zl
— Basketball England (@bballengland) February 9, 2020

Thank you @ksam44 @rachvanderwal @joey_leedham13 @TemiFagbenle @KristineAnigwe @hcshaw13 @chemabuceta @gljones4 @chan2211 @ceemaries @JaniceMonakana @nicoletteflq – you made Britain proud.
— Huw Hopkins (@coach_huw) February 9, 2020

This group of women are special. They make me (personally) proud to be a @gbbasketball fan. They work so hard and bring the fight EVERY SINGLE TIME. Thank you for everything and don’t worry, you have done so much to inspire us all and see you in Paris 2024 #AppreciateYou ♥️ pic.twitter.com/fDSgdNG4pJ
— Benny Bonsu (@MsBennyBonsu) February 9, 2020

💔Amazing women!You know what you’ve done for our game🇬🇧
Blood,sweat,tears for years to build this platform for every lil girl that wants to play 🏀in the UK.Careful thought&action,together,is needed.From the top down,we have a duty to continue @gbbasketball women’s legacy #ImIn https://t.co/U9TehhKCYs
— Siobhan Prior (@Shevy_P4) February 9, 2020

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