Olympic champions get parade in Sao Paulo
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The Brazilian team rode on top of a fire truck along the Avenida Tiradentes to Government House |
Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 15, 2012 – Just like in 2008, Brazil’s Olympic champion women's volleyball team were taken on a motorcade through the streets of the state capital when they arrived home to Sao Paulo.
In his first statements on Brazilian soil, coach Ze Roberto lauded the determination shown by the team in London.
"We knew that the United States were the favorites,” said Roberto. “Only we knew, too, that in one game anything could happen. We played a very good game, with the exception of the first set. Then anxiety decreased and began to focus on the good things we could do. We began to turn the ball and defend and block better than the Americans. It was a deserved victory."
Fabiana, the captain of the Brazilian team and best blocker of the London Olympics, said that team spirit was instrumental in the win.
"We believe every moment,” she said. “The group has always believed we could win the title and were able to overcome all the difficult moments. I believe we won the gold through the strength of unity.”
The opposite Sheilla agreed.
"We always believed and worked a lot on our teamwork. Gold is a memorable achievement and it has been the dedication of our team.”
Soon after speaking to the press, the Brazilian team rode on top of a fire truck along the Avenida Tiradentes, arriving at Government House where the delegation was received by state governor Geraldo Alckmin.
This is becoming a tradition for Brazilian Olympic volleyball teams. In 1992 and 2004, the gold-medal-winning men's teams made their way down the main street of the city on a fire truck through a throng of cheering fans. It was the women's turn to do the same in 2008 and, now, in 2012.
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