Coming into the competition as underdogs, Ruby Porter, Sara-Rose Smith, Alex Fowler and Rosie Deegan have now burst through to the top four, surprising international spectators but not themselves nor their country. 

“We definitely came into the competition as underdogs, but that never deterred us, our goal was always to go for the gold,” Porter said. 

“No one expected that we’d get this far and it’s such an incredible feeling.” 

The newly formed team has gone toe-to-toe with some of the highest ranked teams of the competition and came out on top, despite having their first training session two weeks ago when they met at the pre-departure Camp in Sydney.

Prior to this, the athletes had only faced off as rivals from four different states around the country. 

Porter attributes her team’s success to putting in the hard yards both on and off the court and the natural bond they’ve been able to create in a short period of time. 

“Each of us wants to give 110%, whether it be when we step out onto the court, in training or at the gym and I think that’s what makes us work so well together,” the Adelaide local said. 

“We haven’t known each other long, but we’ve formed such a strong bond and worked really hard together and it’s so rewarding to see how it’s paid off,” she continued. 

Porter said her team are feeling confident heading into the semis and are ready to fight for a chance at gold. 

“We’re feeling really positive, France are a very good team, they’re really strong and credit to them but we’re going to come out tomorrow fighting for it,” the determined 17-year-old said. 

Porter is no stranger to international competition, with both herself and Alex Fowler playing in the 5-aside Australian Sapphires Team, but she says playing at Buenos Aires 2018 has been a completely different ballgame. 

 “The Youth Olympics has definitely been so different to any other national or international competition I’ve played, being able to wear the green and gold for Australia is such an honour. 

“The support is incredible, not just hearing the cheers from the stands, but also the support from back home where people are waking up at all hours of the morning to wish us luck and watch us play, telling us how proud they are, really spurs us on.” 

The Aussie Team finished their pool round at the top of their group, and if they are able to topple France, they will take on one of two heavyweights, USA or China in the gold medal match. 

You can watch our Aussie 3x3 girls take on France at 1.00 am (AEDT) via the Live Stream HERE.

Liana Buratti
olympics.com.au