Image credit: Scott Pineo

By Marty Hastings

OLYMPIC GAMES

Olynyk fan club reaches Paris Olympics: ‘Just proud – there’s no other way to put it’

Jul 27, 2024 | 10:01 AM

PARIS, FRANCE — Scott Pineo of Kamloops is among Kelly Olynyk’s best friends.

He is in Paris and spoke to CFJC Today on Saturday (July 27), a few hours before Olynyk and Team Canada were scheduled to play Greece in men’s basketball action at the Olympic Summer Games.

“Really proud. It’s surreal to be here,” said Pineo, who was on the streets of Paris wearing a Team Canada bucket hat and an Olynyk basketball jersey on the video Zoom call.

“He’s been doing this since graduation from high school. It’s really cool.”

French high-speed train service has been partially restored after alleged sabotage disrupted three major lines before the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday (July 26), according to the Canadian Press.

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Pineo said he and his girlfriend Sasha Russell, who live in Ireland, are among the few who have not experienced significant travel snafus due to the disruption.

“Mostly everyone has been impacted, but they’ve made it,” Pineo said. “It’s stressful finding their way here. The public transportation here is rather full. The metro today was a lot of pushing and shoving getting on and off.”

Pineo and Russell have connected with Olynyk’s mother (Arlene), wife (Jackie) and sisters (Jesse and Maya), each of whom are feeling the same sense of pride, according to Pineo.

“When we actually get out there to watch him play, I’m sure a wave of emotion will come over all of us,” Pineo said. “Just proud. That’s the only way to put it. Excited and proud.”

World No. 7 Canada is in what might be considered the Group of Death, along with No. 14 Greece, No. 5 Australia and No. 2 Spain.

Canada and Greece will tip off at noon. Australia upset Spain 92-80 on Saturday.

“You only have three games,” Pineo said. “You’ve really got to win them all. That’s really the only way to put it. You’ve got to show up every game.”