Jack MurrayAugust 10, 2024
Jamie Squire/Getty Pictures
Joel Embiid is an Olympic gold medalist and France just isn’t cushty about it.
Embiid and Personnel USA took down France 98-87 to accomplish a fifth consecutive gold medal. This became Embiid’s first depart with the U.S, nonetheless his French citizenship gave him the technique to play for the host country.
As an different, he selected to play for Personnel USA and the home crowd confirmed its disapproval throughout the ceremony.
NBC Sports Philadelphia @NBCSPhilly
Joel Embiid receives his first-ever Olympic gold medal for Personnel USA 🇺🇸 🥇 pic.twitter.com/Zwz3wvkjFa
Embiid gestured to the physique of workers because the boos occurred and the U.S. roster joined him in the event.
Embiid became born in Cameroon and moved to the United States at 16. He grew to become a French citizen in 2022 and there became speculation he would swimsuit up for the host nation.
BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 @BASKETBALLonX
Joel Embiid after winning the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal:
“Every part is golden! Mission completed 🥇”
[via. IG// @JoelEmbiid] pic.twitter.com/6rKtfeCUbR
As an different, he selected to play for the U.S. and be half of a team that had won four consecutive gold medals and 16 of 19 in the tournament’s historical previous. Whether or not his presence flipped the result, the French team unquestionably would were better off with him on the roster.
While he won his first gold with the U.S, Embiid would possibly perhaps well perhaps sport yet one more country’s colors in 2028.
He expressed interest in representing Cameroon at the Los Angeles Olympics, even though that can well perhaps perhaps route of would require securing waivers and for Cameroon to qualify for the tournament.
