Softball would have incredible atmosphere at Brisbane 2032 Olympics, says Australian 2-time Olympic medallist Tracey Freeman

Softball would have incredible atmosphere at Brisbane 2032 Olympics, says Australian 2-time Olympic medallist Tracey Freeman
29/04/2022
“Every game would be sold out, there is always such an incredible atmosphere – and as a team sport it would provide so many opportunities for young people and have such an impact on their lives,” said Australia's former catcher.

Softball at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games would create a buzz with all games sold out, says one former Olympian with personal experience on the matter.

Tracey Freeman has a place in Australian softball history. She is a veteran of the Australia National Women’s Softball Team that conquered two Olympic medals in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. Now a member of the Australian Air Force, Freeman made a strong statement to Australian Olympians, a magazine of the Australian Olympic Committee: “It would be phenomenal to have softball at the Brisbane Olympics.

Baseball and softball made an immensely successful comeback at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but will skip the Paris 2024 Games before looking to return at the Los Angeles (LA) 2028 Olympic Games, which is widely expected given that baseball-softball combine to be the most practiced sport in the U.S.

“Every game would be sold out [at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics], there would always be such an incredible atmosphere, and as a team sport, it would provide so many opportunities for young people and have such an impact on their lives,” says Freeman, who hit .273 with a homer and 2 RBI at the 2004 Athens Olympics, helping Australia to win the silver medal.

The 48-year old former catcher said that realizing the Olympic softball dream would be a tremendous motivator for young girls. “For the young kids coming up to have that carrot dangled in front of them to play in front of their friends, their family, would be out of this world. It would be absolutely awesome for the sport and it’d keep those younger kids involved and give them something to aspire to.”

Freeman also had time to reflect about the Australian participation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic softball competition. “I was so proud of the team, they did so well. Considering the lack of international games and preparation because of Covid, I thought they did exceptionally well.”

See the full interview here.