VIDEO: Olympic Basketball Star Nneka Ogwumike Discusses Women’s Sports

U.S. Olympic basketball athlete Nneka Ogwumike said during an interview that people’s appreciation toward women’s sports have pivoted recently.

“There’s been a lot of eyes on women’s sports, especially in the last year. I think when it comes for us, the inside looking out, I think most of us on this call can say like, ‘we’ve always known how cool we are,’ and it’s fun to see people on the outside really taking note – and not just in how we are able to lead in our communities, but also in our game,” she said.

The athlete said that while the public’s interest has shifted, there would be “no platform” without women in sports.

“I think at the end of the day, there’s no platform without what we do, and for us to be able to be highlighted in ways that extend to college, professional ranks … now we’re here talking about us continuing on a record-breaking performance with team U.S.A.,” said Ogwumike. “I think that it’s now, more than ever, that we’re experiencing a pivot in a true appreciation for women in sports.”