Tokashiki taking Rio Olympics by storm

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Japan's Ramu Tokashiki has arrived at the Rio Olympics looking to make history. And so far things are looking really good for the 25-year-old.

Ahead of Tuesday's game against Turkey, Tokashiki has helped Japan get off to a 2-0 start in Group A, and she says there is a lot more to come.

After leading Japan to the title at last year's FIBA Asia Women's Championship - and being named MVP in the process - the 1.93m forward is taking Rio by storm.

Making her Olympic debut, Tokashiki has averaged 19.5 points in Japan's first two Group A games.

She stopped by to talk to FIBA.com.

FIBA.com: Japan lost to Brazil in the preparations for Rio last week in Campinas. But in a turn of events, you came up strong when it mattered most. How did you manage to beat Brazil in front of a rowdy crowd yesterday? 
Tokashiki: We just played our game. We had lost against Brazil in the preparations but we knew we couldn't lose against them in the Olympics if we were to move on in the competition. Basically, those two games served as a learning experience for us. We learned how Brazil play. In the third quarter [of Monday's game], Brazilian players got tired, and we took advantage of it. We grew in confidence and controlled the game.

FIBA.com: What impact does it have on the goals you set for the Olympics?
Tokashiki: We came here to try to win a medal.

FIBA.com: Can you talk about Japan's game plan against Turkey? 
Tokashiki: Turkey has taller and bigger players but we are going to try our best and play our game. We will keep our fast-paced style of play, and see if we can beat them.

FIBA.com: This is the first Olympics for you and all your teammates. How do you compare the level of competitiveness in the Olympics to the FIBA Asia Championship?
Tokashiki: When we qualified, I was wondering how I would perform in the Olympics. I was looking forward to it. Once we got here in Rio I just focused on my game. I believe in my game, and I am feeling comfortable.

FIBA