Emotion and resilience to fuel 3x3 powerhouse Spain at Paris Olympics

MADRID (Spain) - After overcoming so much heartbreak over the years, 3x3 women's powerhouse Spain will continue to ride emotion on their quest for a medal at the Paris Olympics. 

Let's take a closer look at the reigning Europe Cup silver medalists. 

SPAIN

Ranking: 7th 

Previous Olympic Appearances: Nil

Squad: Sandra Ygueravide, Vega Gimeno, Juana Camilion, Gracia Alonso

Key Player: Sandra Ygueravide

No player deserved a ticket to Paris more than legendary Sandra Ygueravide, who had suffered a trio of heart-breaking defeats at major events culminating in missing a spot to the Tokyo Olympics. 

The gut punches lit a fuse under the brilliant Ygueravide, whose determination lifted her to No.1 player in the world and MVP in Spain's title at the Europe Cup 2021.

The 5ft. 8in (1.72m) Ygueravide is all passion and pride to underline the fighting qualities of Spain. The Olympics will be her crowning moment and you just know she'll leave everything on the half-court. 

She has primed herself for Paris and tuned up nicely after winning MVP at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Bordeaux Stop. 

Qualification: Spain were determined to overcome the haunting memories of missing out on Tokyo. Their moment of truth arrived at the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament and they faced powerful Canada with a ticket at stake. 

Spain weren't going to be denied on this occasion with Ygueravide submitting one of her best ever performances with 8 points and 6 highlights, while Vega Gimeno owned the paint as she had done all tournament.

After clinching victory, Spain's emotional players once again broke down and cried - but this time they were tears of joy. 

Expectations: As a long-time 3x3 power, it is fitting that Spain have made the Olympics for the first time. But they won't be just making up the numbers because the Spaniards are in top form. 

They especially love playing in France having won Women's Series 2024 Stops in Poitiers and Bordeaux - where Ygueravide, Gimeo and Gracia Alonso shone. 

Ygueravide and Gimeo are a formidable one-two punch, but they'll be well supported by towering 25-year-old Juana Camilion and Alonso.

This is the same line-up from the OQT that memorably vanquished the ghosts of the past and you feel this team will play with freedom having gotten the monkey off their back. 

Of course, a medal is not guaranteed but rest assured Spain will do everything they can to reach the podium. 

FIBA