BASKETBALL: David Andersen and his basketball teammates are refusing to put a limit on what they can achieve at Rio, with a gold medal on the agenda.
“We set the bar high. We want to get a gold if we can and we are aiming for that,” Andersen said ahead of Australia’s first game against France.
“That’s what our target is and we are fighting hard and training hard and trying to get prepared for that.”
Andersen will join to be likes of Andrew Gaze, Phil Smyth, Andrew Vlahov, Mark Bradtke, Shane Heal and Larry Sengstock as four time Olympians in men’s basketball. An elder statesman of the squad, Andersen is embracing his role in Rio.
“I’m proud and very honoured to be at another Olympics.
“It’s a great honour to be up with some of the best basketballers in Australia.”
Despite being an Olympic veteran, Andersen finds every experience unique.
“It’s always exciting, always new.
“It’s in a different city, a different place and it’s just as exciting now as it was the first time.
“It’s my first time visiting Brazil. It was a bit daunting but the Village is very nice and everything is looking good.”
With an Olympic career spanning four Games, Andersen is lending his knowledge to his teammates, six of whom are tasting the Olympics for the first time.
“Obviously I’m the oldest guy on the team and I try to bring leadership to the team.
“Some of the players look to me for advice and that’s part of the deal, part of what I bring.”
Australia opens its campaign against France on Sunday 7th August, 3.15am AEST.
