Rio 2016 – ITW : Gabriela, volunteer, followed the French team during the Olympics

Gabriela was volunteer at the Olympics in her country. During all the colpetition, she was Team attaché to the women’s french basketball team. She followed them at Rio, from the trainings to the games. She relates her olympic adventure.

POUR LIRE L’INTERVIEW EN FRANÇAIS

Parlons Basket Féminin : Can you introduce yourself ?

Gabriela Borges : My name is Gabriela Borges. I am 24 years old I was born in Brazil. When I also play basketball, I played for the national team in Brazil U17 AND U18, and I played college basketball in Utah and California. Currently I am playing for my school in Brazil. I am studding to be a personal trainer, and basketball coach. I was a volunteer in the Olympics games and I worked with the French women’s basketball.

PBF : How did you end up to be a volunteer and follow the French team during all the Olympics?

GB : Frist of all, I had to apply to be a volunteer. To me, it was always a dream to be part of the Olympics games, especially because it was in my country. I did not know what team I was going to work with until a week before Olympics games start. The committee Olympics emailed me. They told me I was going to work with French women basketball. I could not be happier

PBF  : What was your job?

GB : My job was to give the French women team support on anything they needed. Like Schedule practices, buses, translation… I was with them the all time in Brazil, most of the time between practices and games.

PBF : Did you knew the french team before ?

GB : I knew they were a incredible team and very hard to beat. I knew they were going to fight for a medal like in London (2012), when they get the silver one against Team USA.

PBF : Which player marked you the most ?

GB : No doubt. It’s the point guard Olivia Epoupa, she is a great player! When Celine Durmec sprained her ankle in practice, Olivia had to step up and leader the team on the point. And she did a exceptional job on that. Team USA also really impressed me.

PBF : A word about the game France vs Brazil ?

GB : The ambiance was amazing. I was really excited about it. I supported my country. But France was stronger and played well. The diserve the win.

PBF : What is your best memory from the volunteering with the French team ?

GB : The remarkable moment was the victory against Canada. It was a really hard game.

PBF : Could you see other sports ?

GB : I didn’t really had the time but I could. I saw the semi-finale of football, with Brazil. It was amazing.

GB : – All moments for me were unique! I Never thought I would make part of it one day. I was able to go in the village and see all these famous athletes together. I met Usain Bolt. He was the most coveted athletes. Everybody wanted to take pics and see him. I was lucky he was walking and I asked for a pic. I also met Diana Taurasi, one of m favorite player. I was very lucky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBF : What do you want to remember the most about the Olympics in your country ?

GB : The first thing is : WE MADE IT ! La première chose, c’est : ON L’A FAIT ! Beaucoup de personnes étaient négatives à propos des Jeux au Brésil. Tout ce qu’elles disaient c’était que la ville de Rio est dangereuse, parlait de Zika ou de la pollution. Mais au final, ça s’est bien passé. Bien sûr, ce n’était pas parfait, mais ça valait le coup !

A lot of people was being negative about the Olympics in Brazil. All they were saying was : « Rio is dangerous », talked about Zika or pollution. But at the end, everything works out. Of course, everything was not perfect but it was worth it.

 

PBF : I let you conclude.

GB : It was an amazing moment. Thanks to the French team, I will always cheer for you. Kisses from Brazil.