BUDAPEST (EuroBasket Women 2015) - Growing up, Gaelle and David, the little ones of the Skrela family, would take a basketball outside and have a little brother-sister duel. She was four years younger but they did not hold back, with the competitive DNA running through their veins.

"Back then, he beat me," Gaelle revealed. "But as I got older and taller, I started to win a lot more."

They are both champions now. And both with souvenirs from the grandest stages. As a centre for France's rugby union team - and presently for the Colomiers club - the now-36-year-old David has played in a World Cup final as well as lifting its European Cup trophy and its Six Nations prize.

Gaelle, 32, won the French Championship last year and was a silver medallist at EuroBasket Women the previous season. Different talents, different paths but equally driven.

"We grew up together doing sport," reveals the female Skrela, who is preparing for Thursday's 2015 EuroBasket Quarter-Final against Russia.

"And we've been there for each other in difficult moments, when one of us has got injured, when there's been stressful demands. It's good to have someone when you're having a hard time, that you can turn to."

Except there is another wise voice they can additionally listen to. The Skrela sporting dynasty began over four decades ago, when their father Jean-Claude made his rugby debut for France, wearing the Number 6 jersey.

He also won a Six Nations crown before becoming a coach, and then later taking charge of the national team, when his children were able to watch their dad working up close.

"I remember certain matches, difficult losses especially," Gaelle explained. "But also in incredible results at the World Cup. I recall the Semi-Final against New Zealand (in 1999), which was huge. Losing the Final was tough but the whole thing was an amazing memory."

Jean-Claude passed on his knowledge.

"He was an influence in the sense that I play sport," Gaelle pointed out. "After that, in knowing how you deal with sporting life at this kind of level. But not in basketball. That was me. But he has helped in areas like physical preparation and eating right."

David would also lose a World Cup final.

Gaelle has not quite got that far with France, having lost in last year's World Championship Quarter-Finals to eventual champions USA.

In Budapest, she - and France - are seeking victory. To accomplish that, they will need to go one step further than on home soil two summers ago, and first to get past Russia in the pick of the four Quarter-Finals.

With just one defeat so far, Les Bleues have been impressive but imperfect. With Endy Miyem cleared to resume practice, they now have one reinforcement to bring. The sense is that we have not yet seen their very best.

"I hope not," Skrela declared. "I hope that's still to come. We're continuing to work, to get better, especially in attacking the zone. It's been a bit complicated for us but we've looked a lot at it. Sure, Russia is a great team. But we'll be well-prepared."

One more triumph, and they will also be a step closer to Rio 2016. After missing out on London 2012 when she was a late cut from the roster, Skrela watched Les Braqueuses take silver.

However this is a new group. They are no longer the queens of the comeback. But the Olympics are still a huge incentive for everyone still alive at EuroBasket Women.

"It's the dream of everyone, not just me," Skrela adds. "We all want it. We know that if we win the Quarter-Finals, we'll at least be into the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. But we know we've got 40 tough minutes ahead to get that."

Somewhere, Gaelle's dad and brother will be ready to give their familiar support.

Go to EuroBasketWomen2015.com for full coverage of EuroBasket Women 2015.

FIBA