Steve Smith Eyes 2028 Olympics After 36th Birthday

Steve Smith is trading World Cup glory for a shot at Olympic gold, and it might be the smartest play of his career.

The Australian cricket star, who turns 37 before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, told reporters his "main goal" is making the team when cricket returns to the Games for the first time since 1900. Despite crushing it in Australia's Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers, Smith has made peace with missing the upcoming T20 World Cup.

"That'd be pretty cool. Keep doing what I'm doing, and you never know," Smith said about his Olympic ambitions. He acknowledged the World Cup ship has sailed, noting Australia already has two excellent opening batters performing well.

The former Australian captain's Olympic dream gets a boost from chief selector George Bailey, who confirmed Smith remains "in the mix" if replacements are needed. Bailey praised Smith's recent form, calling him "a level above" when he plays in the Big Bash League.

Smith's journey from World Cup regular to Olympic hopeful shows how athletes can redefine success at any age. Rather than clinging to every tournament opportunity, he's playing the long game with a clear target that excites him.

Why This Inspires

At 36, Smith could easily feel pressure to grab every chance to represent Australia. Instead, he's focusing on what truly motivates him: making history at the Olympics.

His patience and clarity about his goals offer a refreshing take on athletic ambition. He's staying match-fit, performing exceptionally in domestic cricket, and keeping his eyes on a prize that matters most to him personally.

Bailey's comments suggest selectors respect this approach. They recognize Smith's proven ability to adapt, having succeeded across different batting positions throughout his international career. If his form continues, the door stays open.

Cricket's Olympic return creates unique opportunities for players like Smith who might otherwise have retired from the shortest format of the game. The Games offer something World Cups can't: representing your country on sport's biggest global stage alongside athletes from every discipline.

Smith's dedication to staying in peak condition while waiting for his moment shows the kind of professional mindset that made him one of cricket's greatest batters in the first place.

A 37-year-old chasing Olympic gold in a sport returning after more than a century proves it's never too late to dream big.