Basketballer Andrew Gaze has reached another milestone in his outstanding career, he is off to his fifth Olympic Games.

Gaze was among the Basketball athletes named in the Australian Olympic Team for Sydney 2000 at the Superdome today.

‘I am excited about our prospects in Sydney and looking forward to the chance of trying to win an Olympic medal which has been a lifelong dream,’ Gaze said.

The closest he has come is a play off for the Bronze medal at the Atlanta Games in 1996, but the Boomers had to settle for fourth place.

Gaze first represented Australia at the Olympics at Los Angeles in 1984. He was subsequently a member of the Australian Olympic Team at Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996.

‘There is no question that this time around we have the most talented team we have been able to put together,’ Gaze said.

Gaze believes the standards have improved since the early 80’s.

‘This is due to the natural development of the sport, the improved domestic competition and the sheer weight of number of kids playing the game these days has increased to the point where we have a much larger pool of players from which to choose, ‘ he said.

Gaze today expressed his disappointment for the players who missed Olympic selection.

‘There are probably seven or eight guys that are clearly talented enough to be part of the team and it came down to who the coaches felt better fitted their system and what they are trying to do. It is certainly no reflection on their ability. There is no doubt they have played a very significant role in whatever we do at the Olympics,’ Gaze said.

‘The home Olympics are obviously going to be a very exciting time and we are anxiously awaiting them to try and fulfil the goal that the team has had for a very long time, to win a medal,’ he said.

Other Australian athletes to compete at five Summer Olympics include:

Bill Roycroft Equestrian 1960, 64, 68, 72, 76
Adrian Powell Canoeing 1960, 64, 68, 72, 76
Peter Macken Modern Pentathlon 1960, 64, 68, 72, 76
Dennis Green Canoeing 1956, 60, 64, 68, 72
Cris Brown Wrestling 1980, 84, 88, 92, 96

Sydney 2000 will be the fifth Olympics for Colin Beashel who is a member of the Sailing Team, and Andrew Hoy if he is selected in the Equestrian Team

Source: Australian NOC