Shao Ting: 'Everyone wants to win, and we are no different'

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - It's been eight years since China accomplished their best result at an Olympic tournament of finishing fourth, but forward Shao Ting looks at the Rio Games as an opportunity to change the course of history for her national team.

"We came to Rio to show our competitiveness in every game and play with the same level of intensity." - Shao Ting

Playing as hosts of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Russia proved too much and denied the East Asian giants the last place on the podium by beating them in the 94-81 in the Bronze Medal Game.

At the time, Shao Ting was an unknown 19-year-old trying to enter the ranks of the China basketball.  But in the years that followed, almost every basketball fan in China knew who the Shanghai native was.

The 1.84m introduced herself to the basketball world at the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship in Turkey, where she led China in scoring (12.3 points per game) as they came in sixth.

Prior to the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament tipping off on Saturday, the 26-year-old talked to FIBA.com.

FIBA.com: You are now one of the most recognised names in China women's basketball. How can you make a difference for your national team at the Olympics?
Shao Ting: I give credit to my teammates because they usually put me in a position to play well and make an impact. Playing in the Olympics has been one of my childhood dreams. And I am so excited to be able to play against these big name players. I have worked very hard to reach this point in my career. Now, that I am here in Rio, I will make sure to cherish the experience.

FIBA.com: Two years ago, China raised some eyebrows at the FIBA Women's World Championship. What should be expected from a team like yours here in Rio?
Shao Ting: We came to Rio to show our competitiveness in every game and play with the same level of intensity. The score doesn't really matter too much - if we win or lose - we want to play good basketball.

FIBA.com: You are in Group B, which includes the USA, Spain, Serbia, Canada and Senegal. What is your assessment of those teams?
Shao Ting: All 12 teams are here for a reason. Everyone wants to win, and we are no different. We are ready to face any team.

FIBA.com: China will be playing in the Olympics for the fifth time in a row. How significant is this for the growth of the game in China?
Shao Ting: I am pleased with the progress of women's basketball in China. As everyone knows, the Olympics is the pinnacle of an athlete's career and being here in Rio is the result of work that comes from previous generations.

FIBA.com: Nan Chen has come out of retirement and returned to the national team. Last month she proved crucial at the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Can you explain her impact on the team?
Shao Ting: It's great being able to play alongside a player with such a vast international experience. It’s in key moments of the game that we usually see how great of a player she really is. She’s been great in passing on her experience to the new generation.

FIBA