This summer, Stephen Curry is set to make a pivotal shift from the golf course to the basketball court as he joins the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant in Paris, aiming to secure an Olympic gold medal—a laurel absent from his illustrious career. As a result, Curry announced that he will not participate in the 2024 American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament where he was the reigning champion.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Curry expressed his sentiments about the difficult choice: “I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to defend my title at the American Century Championship in Tahoe this summer, but the chance to represent my country and, hopefully, win an Olympic gold medal for the first time at the 2024 Games in Paris is an opportunity that I simply could not pass up,” he said. Curry added a light-hearted note, stating his expectation for his family members, Dell and Seth Curry, to keep the family name high at the event in his absence.
Last year, Curry achieved a remarkable 152-yard hole-in-one during the tournament, marking him as the first African American to win the championship in its 35-year history, and the first active athlete to win since Al Del Greco in 2000. His absence this year underscores his commitment to basketball and achieving new heights in his already storied career.
Jon Miller, NBC Sports’ President of Acquisitions and Partnerships, commented on Curry’s dedication to both his sport and country: “Well, we’ve discovered that the only thing Stephen Curry can’t do is be in two places at once.” He voiced his support for Curry’s Olympic pursuit and hinted at an eager anticipation for his return to the golf tournament in 2025.
While Curry’s focus shifts to the Olympics, the American Century Championship, set for July 12-14, will still feature a stellar lineup of athletes and entertainers, including members of the Curry family, football legends Jerry Rice and Steve Young, and former NFL star Charles Woodson.
This will be Curry’s first participation in the Olympics, despite having three gold medals from other international basketball events. Team USA, under coach Steve Kerr, looks robust with players like Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Jayson Tatum among others, making them a formidable squad heading into the Paris Games.
As Curry sets his sights on Olympic gold, his journey represents more than just personal achievement; it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to his country on the global stage.
