MIAMI (USA) - One of FIBA's strategic priorities for the 2019-2023 cycle is to have more women involved in all aspects of the game – for officiating, the objective has been fulfilled with an increasing number of women working in the main tournaments.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games there are five women designated to work, Maj Forsberg (Denmark), Viola Gyorgy (Norway), Maripier Malo (Canada), Amy Lee Bonner (United States) and the only Latin American – Andreia Silva (Brazil).

The Sao Paulo-born referee has performed in major men's events such as the FIBA World Cup, Intercontinental Cup, Basketball Champions League Americas and recently the FIBA U-19 World Championship but being in the Olympics is the fulfillment of the highest degree.
"Just as it is for athletes, being in the Games is also a referee's dream," Silva said.

"When I received the news, I could hardly believe it. I cried with joy and started to prepare. I prepared myself physically by following the plan designated by FIBA, and mentally, imagining possible situations. I studied the rules more and more, I studied the teams that would be in the Olympics and I got familiar with each referee that would also be there.”

The 41-year-old Brazilian was among the women chosen to referee at Tokyo 2020 and was the first to perform in men's basketball, when she was part of the referee team for the United States and Iran on July 28.

“I am very happy to see that women have these possibilities, and I am very grateful to FIBA for all the opportunities. This motivates us to train and improve every day. The important thing is that all women are united together.”

Today Silva is at the peak of her career, but to get where she is at took a very strong work ethic learned from her beginnings in Brazil.

“I started working in the Sao Paulo games, in my Federation. I used to referee many children's games and over the years I evolved, working in men's and women's games until I became a national referee. Then I was given the opportunity to attend an international referee clinic in Pitalito, Colombia. I attended thanks to Geraldo Fontana (former referee coordinator at FIBA Americas), who is my valued mentor. I did the physical and written tests and days later I received the result that I was approved. It's already been 20 years of officiating now, nine as an international.”

Despite all her achievements, Silva remains focused on her growth and tries to pass along her wisdom and experience to the new generations of men and women who are entering the world of refereeing - work with passion and respect for what you do.

“In my case, I have always liked basketball, but I never imagined being at the events I have been to. It is great for us to do what we love. It takes determination, attitude, respect for your colleagues, discipline and a lot of love. You will have the opportunity to meet wonderful people and go amazing places, but you need to be an exemplary professional. Believe in your dreams and believe in yourself.”

FIBA