BLR – Leuchanka: ‘We are so proud to be the team representing Belarus at Olympics’

BEIJING (Olympics) – Yelena Leuchanka played a huge part in Belarus’ magical run to the bronze medal at last year’s EuroBasket Women in Italy and now she’s playing at the Olympics.

Leuchanka, a 1.96m center who has had to overcome serious injuries to both knees in her career, had 13 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday in the opening clash of the Beijing Games but the contribution wasn’t nearly enough for Belarus as they lost to world champions Australia 83-64.

The 25-year-old spoke to FIBA.com.

FIBA: Yelena, you have struggled with injuries in your career. Did you ever dream you would eventually step onto a court like here at the Wukesong Arena and play in an Olympic game?

Leuchanka: For me, it has been such a long road with the injuries I've had in the past. At one point in my life, I didn't think I was going to play basketball and to be able to stand here in this great arena and play against great players, I am so thankful to have had this opportunity.

FIBA: How difficult was it to play against the world champions and did nerves play a part in this defeat?

Leuchanka: It's very exciting for us to be playing at the Olympics. This is our first experience at the Games and it's very tough to play your first game against world champions Australia. Australia has great players and a lot of experience. We just tried to play our game. We definitely tried to emphasize rebounding and defense and I think we did a decent job. We can probably do a better job at communicating. We just have to focus now and get our first win and try to enjoy this great experience.

FIBA: Next up for Belarus is Latvia, a team that already proved at the FIBA Diamond Ball for Women they are in decent form after beating Russia and pushing the United States close. How challenging will this game be for your team?

Leuchanka: Every team here is tough. Every team brings something different. Latvia is a great team, we know them well after playing against them in the EuroBasket last year and at the Pre-Olympic tournament in Madrid earlier this summer. We are familiar with their game. We will get ready and try to get a win against them. We have to come out and get ready and play well. Every player here is good and you have to bring your ‘A’ game.

FIBA: What has changed for Belarus since last year's bronze-medal win at the EuroBasket in Italy when your country made its first appearance in the final round?

Leuchanka: Many people in our country didn't know that we actually do have a women's basketball team. This is no longer the case. There is only one Belarus team that is representing our country at the Olympics and that is us and we are so proud to be that team. We never thought this would be possible but we are here. This is great for women's basketball in our nation. I just hope our people are looking at us working hard.

FIBA: How much has the team improved since last summer and what expectations you have in Beijing?

Leuchanka: I think we can still have room for improvement, we can get better as long as we stay healthy, that is one of the main things. We played overseas, then we have the qualifying tournament in Madrid before heading to the Olympics so we didn't have much time to rest. We want to get better and we are willing to do that.

FIBA