LILLE (France) - Leonor Rodriguez will never forget the feeling of sinking the shot that kept Spain alive and laid the platform for their pulsating opening day win against China at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.
Always chasing China and with their hopes hanging by a thread, Spain were in need of inspiration. Not least, with star duo and injured top wingers Alba Torrens and Maria Conde struggling to contribute and even participate.
Rodriguez answered the call.
Down by three with just six seconds remaining, she let fly from downtown and forced the extra period of a contest that Spain eventually won 90-89. She also scored 25 points in the process - her highest ever tally at the Games.
"I felt it was my shot," smiled Rodriguez.
"I thought this is all or nothing. I think the team put me into that situation because they trusted me. To be honest [in the moment] I don't even know what I did. All I know is that it went in.
"It is one of those days when you feel amazing. It is a time to remember for what it means, for what it is.
"Also for the super feeling of happiness for when I did it, and then when the team did it. Yes, I shot it but it was my team that made this win."
The story of Rodriguez delivering a killer blow for her country has more significance since she has often had to be patient. She barely played at Rio 2016 and even less again at Tokyo 2020.
But always ready to serve, maximum kudos is now due after executing briliantly when it was her time to shine.
It has also now given Spain a great chance at topping Group A - although she did admit that it was tough going at times.
"I feel like we deserved it as we never gave up," smiled Rodriguez.
"We kept fighting after starting the game a little late. But then we started playing like Spain and our DNA. "We found our strength and I am so happy for the team. To have this feeling after the first game of the Olympics is a great start," concluded Rodriguez.
FIBA