Tisdale's talents on the basketball court were also recognized internationally. In 1983, he played alongside basketball legends such as Michael Jordan and Chris Mullin on the U.S. Men's National Team in the Pan-American Games held in Caracas, Venezuela. Helping secure the team's victory earned him a spot on the U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball team, coached by Bobby Knight.

At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, Tisdale garnered 51 rebounds across eight games, tying for the 5th most in a single Olympic Games in U.S. team history. The team went on to win a gold medal with an 8-0 record.

"At the recommendation of State Representative Don Ross, Governor George Nigh declared last Wednesday, April 4, 1984, as 'Wayman Tisdale Day in the State of Oklahoma.'

In addition to Tisdale, the Hornets 5A basketball champions and the All-American's parents, Rev. and Mrs. L. L. Tisdale, were the guests of the legislature. Ross introduced Tisdale to the House of Representatives and Tisdale addressed the assembly. He vowed to play out this four years of eligibility at OU, and asked the Legislators' prayers as he was enroute to compete in the Olympics."

Thursday, April 12, 1984. The Oklahoma Eagle.