2012 Olympics could be Manu Ginobili’s last

Aug 8, 2008; Beijing, CHINA; Argentina basketball player Manu Ginobili leads his teammates into the stadium during the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at National Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Manu Ginobili has enjoyed a huge amount of international success. The 2012 Olympics, though, may be Ginobili’s last. Michael A. De Leon of Project Spurs uncovered a quote from Ginobili that declared that there is a “great chance” that he will not compete in another Olympic event.

“I do not know if London will be my farewell to the national team. There are great chances to be my last     tournament because I have 35 years and each time it costs me more.”

Ginobili’s illustrious international career began in 2002 when his Argentina led team defeated the United States at the World Championships. His biggest international success came in 2004 when, once again, Ginobili led Argentina deep into the tournament after beating the United States (Tim Duncan happened to be on the team). They clinched the gold medal after upending Italy.

Argentina hasn’t won a gold medal since, though they remain a highly regarded international power. Ginobili was the foundation, the recognizable star that keyed their success.

Argentina finished fourth at the 2006 World Championships and fifth in the 2010 World Championships. Perhaps if it wasn’t for an untimely injury to Ginobili in the first quarter of their semifinal match against the United States in the ’08 Olympics, Argentina may have advanced further. They settled with a bronze medal.

Considering Ginobili will be 39-years-old by then, I find it highly unlikely that he will be able to compete in another Olympic event barring some unforeseen medical development that lengthens the career of basketball players by 10 years.

If doctors could work on that quickly, that would be cool too. And, if you don’t mind, find something before Timmy retires. Please? Thanks.