American basketball star Diana Taurasi said Saturday she is not allowing herself to be distracted by thoughts of personal glory as she prepares for her Olympic farewell.
The 42-year-old WNBA great could clinch an incredible sixth straight gold if she leads the United States to victory in Paris — 20 years after her first Olympic gold in 2004.
But Taurasi, who has confirmed she will retire from international duty after the Paris Games, insists that personal milestones are the last thing on her mind ahead of Monday’s tournament opener against Japan.
“I really don’t think about it,” Taurasi said when asked about a sixth gold. I really am focused on what’s next and that, to me, is what’s kept me playing for a long time.
“I think sometimes you can get confused by the winning, the losing, by the medals, the trophies, the MVPs, all that stuff. And at the end of it all that stuff really doesn’t matter.
“It’s the work you put in every single day. And if that keeps you coming back, then you’ll have an opportunity to win your third, your second, sixth, whatever it may be.”
Taurasi is part of a vaunted US line-up that will start the Olympic tournament as overwhelming favourites, having won gold in every edition of the tournament since 1996.
Taurasi said she had become weary of being asked about her retirement in the build-up to the Games, particularly with some claiming she was filling a spot on the roster that could have been occupied by younger players.
“When you dedicate your whole life, your whole career to something and you get the question ‘Why don’t you just retire?’ it’s not meant to be disrespectful — but if you’re the person being asked, it is a bit disrespectful,” she said.
“I’m here to compete. I’m here to play at a high level. I’m here to give to my teammates, and I’m here to win a gold medal. It’s something I’ve dedicated my whole life to.
“Only a woman would have 20 years of experience and it’s considered an Achilles heel instead of something that is treasured.”