BASKETBALL: With their first Olympic medal front of mind, the Australian men’s basketball team were given an insight into just what it takes to get onto the Olympic podium on Wednesday. 

Two of the nation’s most inspiring athletes in Catherine Freeman and Lydia Lassila were on hand to share their journey as the AOC’s Road to Rio Ignite series touched down in Melbourne. 

The series has travelled the country to bring together over 1,100 prospective athletes and officials with the goal of building a united 2016 Australian Olympic Team. 

“There is nothing more amazing than representing Australia,” Sydney 2000 gold medallist Freeman said. 

“I still remember the first time that I put on the Australian uniform, it still gives me a big smile every time I think about it. 

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I look back over my days of being an Olympian and it’s just made me who I am and the person I want to be for the rest of my life.”

Just as the Aussie men are targeting their first Olympic medal in Rio in August 2016, four-time Olympian Lassila set her goals high and left no stone unturned in making them become a reality. 

“I had a vision to be the best female aerial skier from day dot and it was that vision that made me train and push harder than my competitors,” Lassila said. 

“You want to be the first men’s Australian team to come away with a medal, the best Boomers team to have lived. 

“That is not a burden, that is not pressure, that is a challenge that this team has the right ingredients to achieve.” 

Despite playing in some of the world’s toughest leagues on a daily basis, the basketballers found it hard not to be inspired. 

"To have Lydia and Cathy here and hear firsthand their experiences and their stories on being a champion was really warming,” dual Olympian Patty Mills said. 

“That feeling that everyone has as they walked out of the room is something you will have forever. 

“The session was special, exciting and an honour to be a part of.” 

The inspiration will hopefully drive the team to unchartered territory as they try and better the three fourth place finishes that Australian men achieved at Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Sydney 2000. 

“I definitely think we can medal,” London 2012 Olympian Matt Dellavedova said. 

“I think we are really strong in Australian basketball right now with a lot more younger guys coming through to mix with our veterans. 

“Having this core group together for the past few years is really going to pay off for us in Rio.” 

While she was unable to be in attendance, Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller sent her regards from the Barra Olympic Park in Rio via a video message. 

“Congratulations on the two wins over New Zealand and welcome to the Australian Olympic Team,” Chiller said from outside the construction site of the Cariocas Arena 1 where the men’s basketball competition. 

“We’re so excited to have you on board.” 

The players will now head off to their clubs in the US, Europe and Australia as they try to impress head coach Andre Lemanjis and push for selection for the 2016 Games. 

With both the men’s and women’s basketball teams qualifying this week Australia now has 128 quota places and expects to eventually send a team of over 460 athletes to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. 

Matt Bartolo
olympics.com.au