Belgium’s Emma Meesseman is changing her hair color to blonde.
The forward, who has scored 20 or more points in a record seven consecutive Olympic women’s basketball games, helped Belgium reach the quarterfinals with an 85-58 victory over Japan on Sunday.
Meesseman, who had 30 points and 11 rebounds in the game, had promised her teammates that she would dye her brown hair blonde if Belgium made it to Paris. “That will have to wait,” she said with a smile, “until we’re finished in Paris.”
After losing their first game to Germany and then facing a defeat by the U.S., Belgium needed to win by at least 27 points against Japan to secure a quarterfinal spot.
“It’s a bit of a miracle,” Meesseman said. “I’m realistic, not pessimistic, and after the Germany game, I knew it was going to be tough.
It was hard to recharge, but seeing the crowd against the U.S. gave me motivation. I’m doing this for the fans, for us, for Belgium.”
With over 25,000 fans cheering in their game against the U.S. and a large crowd supporting them on Sunday morning, Meesseman felt the atmosphere was unforgettable.
“Being in the middle of all these people, I can’t describe it,” Meesseman said. “That’s what I’ll remember from these Olympics.”
Belgium was close to the 27-point margin in the final moments. They led by 29 points with 19 seconds left when Meesseman turned the ball over, but Japan only managed two free throws to make it 85-58.
Belgium called a timeout, advanced the ball, and Japan let the clock run out, leading to a joyful celebration with the Belgian team hugging, dancing, and enjoying their fan’s support.
