"Ay, caramba!" While this Spanish minced oath is usually associated with Bart Simpson, it was recently heard escaping the lips of an actual Spanish person. The euphemism-emitting Spaniard in question was none other than two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol (pictured, or at least visually depicted). Like many of the world's best athletes, the 7'1" Gasol was in Tokyo this summer for the 2020 Olympics. Representing Spain in every summer Games since 2004, Gasol has won one bronze and two silver medals in his illustrious career. Now 41, Gasol's NBA career is over. He now plays for FC Barcelona, and was selected for his fifth OIympic games this summer. While staying in the Olympic village, Gasol had occasion to unwind a little with fellow Team Spain members. It was there where he was lured so close to expletive territory, and by how own countrywoman, no less. Gasol was filmed at a recreational ping-pong table playing with Spanish table tennis Olympian Galia Dvorak. To the surprise of his many fans worldwide who know him only for his basketball skills, Gasol held his own. At first, Dvorak patiently warms Gasol up, alternating easy shots to his backhand and forehand. After a few practice shots, however, Gasol goes off script and succumbs to his competitive side. With increasing intensity, Gasol starts going for forehand winners. With his 7'5" wingspan and nimble footwork, he imparts serious power and an impressive degree of topspin to his attacks. Of course, Dvorak was just toying with him. When she returned one of his attempted murders with a touch of forehand side-underspin, Gasol missed badly, prompting the aforementioned utterance. Nonetheless, the sporting world was abuzz with the discovery of Gasol's hidden talent. Unfortunately for the merry pongers, neither would have the Olympic showing for which they had hoped. Galia Dvorak lost to Juan Liu of the United States in the first round. Gasol also succumbed to Team USA, although Spain at least sniffed the podium with a quarterfinal finish. Although Pau Gasol has likely made his last Olympic basket, perhaps he will be seen pivoting around a different kind of net with Galia Dvorak and company at Paris 2024.

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