Ann Wauters is ready to play: “But I understand my role very well” | Olympics

Ann Wauters (40) had to wait twenty years for it, but in Japan she is finally there at the Olympic Games. Does she enjoy it? “Yes, actually it is. The grandeur is unbelievable and overwhelming. I feel like a little kid and want to enjoy every moment.”

“I had heard a lot about the opening ceremony, but the tension was unbelievable. We were briefly disappointed that they were using the Japanese alphabet and that we came so late, but it was totally worth it.”

“It was also a moment to reflect on all the work we have done for this moment.”

The Cats start against Australia, a tough one? “Certainly, that team wants to be on the podium”, Wauters realizes. “But it’s an opportunity for us to get into our favorite underdog role. The pressure won’t be immense because we don’t need to win that match to continue.”

“Who knows, we may surprise you, but nothing has happened if we lose. The next matches are more important.”

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Liz Cambage, Australia’s top player, passed for the Games. However, Wauters thinks that this will have few consequences for the team, the number two in the world. “You often notice that if you take the best player away, suddenly the team runs very well and even starts to play better.”

Will we see Wauters at work between the lines in Tokyo? National coach Mestdagh held off the boat. “Every athlete wants to play, but I understand my role very well. We will see if there will be playing minutes or not. The most important thing is winning as a team.”

“I can still use my height against taller players. We’ll see what the coach plans on a tactical level. Of course I prepared myself to stand on the parquet. It had been a solid preparation, but the team has a lot of it. fancy.”

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