Stephen Curry entered the 2024 Paris Olympics in search of a gold medal, one of the major accomplishments missing from his legendary career.
Olympic gold hasn't eluded the four-time NBA champion because he came up short, but instead, circumstances prevented him from competing on the Olympic stage. Curry ascended into superstardom in 2014 and missed out on two Olympic cycles before finally debuting in 2024.
Why are the Paris Games Curry's first Olympics? Here is why the future Hall of Famer is debuting at the Olympics a decade after cementing himself as one of the United States' best talents.
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Why is this Stephen Curry's first Olympics?
Curry missed out on the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games to prioritize his health and availability for the Warriors during the ensuing NBA seasons. He chose to play in 2024 because of the timing and the fact that he would be 40 years old during the next Olympic cycle.
After unanimously winning MVP of the 2015-16 NBA season, Curry cited health as the reason for withdrawing from Olympic consideration in 2016. A knee injury held Curry out of four games during the 2016 NBA Playoffs and the Finals series went seven games, adding to Curry's workload and making for what would have been a quick turnaround for a hobbled player.
Here is part of Curry's statement in 2016:
Due to several factors — including recent ankle and knee injuries — I believe this is the best decision for me at this stage of my career. It's an incredible honor to represent your country and wear 'USA' on your chest, but my primary basketball-related objective this summer needs to focus on my body and getting ready for the 2016-17 NBA season.
The 2020 Olympics were postponed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Curry elected not to participate and opted to focus on the upcoming NBA season instead.
Here is what Curry told The Athletic in 2021:
It just wasn’t right for me. Very confident in that decision. No regrets at all. … But there’s always that itch to play and play on the biggest stage, like the Olympics. But it just wasn’t the right thing for me and the right time.
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How old is Stephen Curry?
Curry is 36 years old. He was born on March 14, 1988 in Akron, Ohio.
Curry was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft and is preparing for his 16th NBA season in 2024-25.
Has Stephen Curry ever played in the Olympics?
Curry has never played in the Olympics before 2024. Since emerging as a superstar in 2014, Curry missed out on opportunities in 2016 and 2021 to represent Team USA internationally at the Olympic games.
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Does Stephen Curry have a gold medal?
Curry does not have an Olympic gold medal. He is seeking his first Olympic gold at the Paris Games in 2024.
Curry has won gold medals for USA Basketball at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
