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Perth Lynx captain Katie Ebzery leaves WA as quarantine threatens Olympic dream

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
Katie Ebzery unveiled Australia’s basketball uniform during last week’s launch
Camera IconKatie Ebzery unveiled Australia’s basketball uniform during last week’s launch Credit: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

WA’s constant border closures has cost the state one of its best Olympic medal prospects with basketballer Katie Ebzery moving to Sydney.

The Perth Lynx captain and boyfriend Dane returned to their home state despite initially planning to spend 2021 in WA.

Ebzery relished Perth’s COVID freedom last year, but after quarantining at home for 14 days following an Australian Opals camp in Queensland during January, she felt remaining in Perth posed too big a risk to her Olympic dream.

Dane quit his job in Perth and the pair moved to Sydney.

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“It was obviously super disruptive moving but, when trying to make the Olympics, the threat of having to quarantine every time I left the state was too great. That was what it came down to,” Ebzery said.

“We had more camps coming up and as soon as there was one case, they shut down the whole border.

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Katie Ebzery will retain her WAIS scholarship despite moving to Sydney
Camera IconKatie Ebzery will retain her WAIS scholarship despite moving to Sydney Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

“We only just had another camp and the border was shut again so that validated the decision to move.

“Two weeks is a really long time when you’re trying to play sport. I wanted to make sure my preparation was as good as possible.”

Ebzery is a key part of Australia’s gold medal dream, having represented the Opals at the 2016 Olympics, 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2018 World Cup. She has retained her WAIS scholarship despite the move.

Ebzery’s move also casts doubt over her re-signing with the Lynx given she is out of contract after three years with the club and free agency opened today.

The 31-year-old was named in the All-WNBL First Team in the past two seasons, but said her next contract wasn’t considered when moving to Sydney.

“Moving to Sydney wasn’t originally on the agenda. It’s been due to circumstances and had nothing to do with the Lynx,” Ebzery said.

“Those doors are still open. It’s possible to fly over and be with the Lynx during the season. Although that’s something to overcome, it isn’t something I have crossed off at all.”

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