Canada confirm women's team lineup for Tokyo
TORONTO (Canada) - Canada have announced the 12 players who will represent them at the Olympic Games in Tokyo as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of their FIBA Women's Americup campaign.
Canada could only manage a fourth place finish after being pipped for bronze in a heart-breaking double overtime defeat to Brazil last month. However, they will be boosted by the return of some big-hitters for their visit to Japan, including standout guard Kia Nurse and star forward Natalie Achonwa.
"WE'RE FOCUSED ON BRINGING A MEDAL BACK TO CANADA... THIS IS THE SUMMER OUR DREAMS COME TO FRUITION" - Natalie Achonwa
Half of the roster will make an Olympic debut, while veterans Miranda Ayim, Kim Gaucher and Achonwa will step out at the event for a third time, having previously represented their country at London 2012 and at Rio 2016.
"There has been no greater honour for me than representing my country on the world stage this past decade," said Achonwa.
Canada roster for the Tokyo Olympics | |||
Natalie Achonwa | Kayla Alexander | Laeticia Amihere | Miranda Ayim |
Bridget Carleton | Shay Colley | Aaliyah Edwards | Nirra Fields |
Kim Gaucher | Kia Nurse | Shaina Pellington | Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe |
"With the pandemic, the last year and a half has felt like forever, so I can’t wait to join the team in Tokyo and put back on a Canada jersey,
"I also can't believe that I will be going to my third Olympic Games this summer. We're focused on bringing a medal back to Canada and they say 'third times the charm' so hopefully, this is the summer our dreams come to fruition," she added.
FIBA