Rising basketball star Cameron Brink has suffered a torn ACL in her left knee, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Sparks a day after she limped off midway through a game against the Connecticut Sun. This devastating injury ends her chances of participating in the upcoming Paris Olympics, where she was slated to represent Team USA in the 3×3 women’s basketball event.
Brink, who sustained the injury during the first quarter of Tuesday’s game, appeared to slip and had to be helped off the court. Despite initially attempting to limp to the locker room, she was ultimately carried off, indicating the severity of her injury. The Sparks later confirmed the nature of her injury on social media but did not provide a timeline for her return.
The loss of Brink is a significant blow for both the Sparks and Team USA. With the Olympics just over five weeks away, her participation in the Paris Games is now unlikely. Brink expressed her heartbreak on social media, stating, “This is hard to fathom but I know it will only make me stronger. I will not be derailed and I will continue to love this life – I’m not defined by basketball, but this is something that I love deeply and I will work every day to get back to it. It’s not goodbye basketball, it’s just a see you later.”
The Sparks, who ended up losing the game 79-70 to the Connecticut Sun, are scheduled to face the Liberty later this week. Brink’s injury casts a shadow over what had been a promising rookie season for the 22-year-old, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. She had started every game this season, averaging 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
The Sparks have promised to release further information about Brink’s condition and recovery process in due course. Meanwhile, Brink’s determination and positive outlook in the face of this setback have garnered widespread support and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.
