Canada stick with 2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship winning roster for Rio Olympics
TORONTO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Just a few days before travelling to the USA to play a four-nation tournament, Canada's head coach Lisa Thomaidis has confirmed the final roster for the Rio Olympics, Can
TORONTO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Just a few days before travelling to the USA to play a four-nation tournament, Canada's head coach Lisa Thomaidis has confirmed the final roster for the Rio Olympics, Canada Basketball announced on Friday.
RELEASE: Canadian Women’s #basketball team nominated for #Rio2016 | https://t.co/x2xmzRZRjS pic.twitter.com/HklEQ3PI5P
— Team Canada PR (@TeamCanadaPR) July 22, 2016
Two WNBA players - Natalie Achonwa and Nirra Fields - lead Canada's all-foreign-based team.
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Canada12-player final roster for Rio 2016 Olympic Games |
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| Natalie Achonwa | Miranda Ayim | Nirra Fields | Kim Gaucher |
| Miah-Marie Langlois | Lizanne Murphy | Kia Nurse | Katherine Plouffe |
| Michelle Plouffe | Nayo Raincok-Ekunwe | Tamara Tatham | Shona Thorburn |
Thomaidis, who is in her fourth year at the helm of the Canadians and has been praised for her record (46-22), made sure to keep the entire team that won the 2015 FIBA Americas Women's championships.
And, by the time the Rio Olympics tip off next month, half of the Canadian team - Achonwa, Miranda Ayim, Lizanne Murphy, Tamara Tatham, Shona Thorburn and Michelle Plouffe - will become two-time Olympians following their appearances at the London Olympics.
Qualifying for the 2012 Olympics was the best Canada Day. Now, 4 years later, spending this one preparing for Rio! pic.twitter.com/6XEpT5nAOK
— Miranda Ayim (@AyimWhoAyim) July 1, 2016
Although the Canadians finished with a 2-4 mark in the British capital, they head to Rio significantly more ambitious, but they will need to prevail in Group B, which includes China, Spain, Senegal, Serbia and the World and Olympics champions the USA.
Addressing the media, Thomaidis said: “We’re extremely proud of these 12 athletes and what they’ve sacrificed and accomplished to get to Rio. We’re ready to take that passion and dedication to the world stage and continue to make Canada proud to support our team.”
Next week the Canadians will resume their Rio Olympics preparations by taking on France, Australia, and hosts USA across the Northeastern United States.
FIBA