MADRID (Spain) - It's not only talent alone that has been cementing the top-tier global status of the Tokyo-bound Alba Torrens and reigning FIBA Women's EuroBasket champions, Spain.

Having booked safe passage to another Olympics, the flying winger has revealed how an unquenchable appetite for success and determination to do things the right way continues to inspire the 2016 Rio Finalists.

She will take the floor in the Japanese capital 12 years after an Olympic debut in Beijing where she lined up alongside current teammates Laura Nicholls, Tamara Abalde and perhaps most important of all, Laia Palau. The veteran playmaker and Torrens have been the heartbeat of Spain breaking boundaries and attaining a string of historical achievements.

From multiple titles at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket to a maiden Final appearance at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and the first-ever Olympic Games Final four years ago, it's been quite a journey. 

A journey that is very much fueled by a particular way of thinking.

"WE HAVE SHOWN BOTH OUR CHARACTER AND VALUES... WE HAVE ALWAYS RESPECTED THE SPORT." - Torrens

 "With Laia, we have been together in the team for a long, long, time together and we know each other too well," smiled Torrens.

"It is very nice and we have become friends, which is usual when you share these experiences. We have both went beyond ourselves together and through so much together - that is when a certain beauty and something magical happens.

"The most important thing for us as players and for the team is that every year we have continued to play at the top, even if it wasn't always shown in the results. But of course the line is so thin, and we can just be short by a point here or successful because of a point there.

"We have had to come through seriously tough moments and we have shown both our character and values. I think one of the most important things is the way that you get somewhere and with this team, we have always respected the sport when we have been trying to do something.

"Maybe one day the results will not be the ones that Spain wants, but I am relaxed about this because I know this team will always show only the best it can on the court and do things the right way.

"The feeling we all have together goes beyond basketball. When we stop playing, we will remember all of the off court things as well as how we gave everything on the court. I will think about the responsibility we all had, about how we had the talent, but it was also about these other things and the mentality we needed that kept us pushing at the top."

This was epitomized by the reaction of Torrens in Belgrade to navigating a tricky and roller-coaster FIBA Women's Qualifying Qualifying Tournament which witnessed a defeat to China and wins against Korea and Great Britain.

"We knew that it wouldn't be easy and that we were playing against some tough teams," she stressed, having made the All-Star Five at the event.

"We didn't know when qualifying would happen or even if it would happen. But we went ready to work and to compete, so as soon as we reached our goal, it was my mindset that I was quickly thinking about the new goals for Tokyo.

“It is so special to go to the Olympics," added Torrens.

"It's true that we want to go and compete as usual, but we know all the teams there will be difficult and for sure there are teams there who can beat us. So, we have to practice hard and also forget about the past. I don't believe we can think at all about the medal we won in Rio,

"The key of this team and what we have achieved is in always looking forward, to have new challenges. It is the one thing that has made us compete all these years. We always want to be there fighting for titles and playing at our best level."

Few would back against Spain continuing their medal rush when the curtain is raised in Tokyo. Their chances will be raised with the return of center Astou Ndour who has been injured lately and left Spain looking worryingly fragile under the bucket in particular in Belgrade.

"Astou has been a really important player for us in these recent years," agreed Torrens.

"She gave us size which is so important in many of the biggest moments. But not just that, she is an amazing player in so many aspects and I hope she will be 100 percent to join the team when we get to Tokyo."

Although critically, Spain have shown they can still continue the momentum and take honors even when they are missing one of their biggest-hitters. Torrens herself was absent at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 after undergoing surgery and it meant quite a different experience for her when the gold medal was being won - especially having been MVP at the 2017 edition.

"It's true that last year was a tough moment when I needed to decide not to wear the Spanish jersey," she confessed.

"It was so difficult having to stop and to recover, but that was the decision that had to be taken.

"Yet it was also special being there and following from distance, because I experienced so many different emotions. I enjoyed watching my teammates on the television very much. I had never been in that situation in terms of having those emotions and not being on the court.

"BEING AT THE OLYMPICS IS SOMETHING ELSE. ONLY WHEN YOU'VE BEEN, YOU KNOW WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS." - Torrens

 
"Afterwards I was so happy for them because they are my friends and I know how much they had to work and how much they had to fight to win the FIBA Women's EuroBasket. And, from the Quarter-Finals onward, I think it was actually three of the best games that Spain have played."

It's why making her return with the team in 2020 has meant so much. Taking her back to the start of career and also that memorable time in China at her first Olympics.

"The first practice I put on the national team jersey again recently was just like the first ever time I wore the Spanish shirt. I was very happy and ready to work," stated Torrens.

"I also remember when I was 18 years old and with the senior national team in an Olympic year during 2008. I am thankful for those experiences.

"Being at the Olympics is something else. Only when you've been, you know what it actually means," she stressed.

FIBA