Amanda Jones
26 July 2016: After just missing out on selection for the London Games and an injury scare last year, University of Canberra Capitals centre Marianna Tolo said making her Olympic Games debut in Rio is a dream come true.
Tolo, who has returned to the UC Capitals for the upcoming season after having played four seasons with Canberra including two WNBL championships, is one of seven debutants including guard Stephanie Talbot in the team.
"It's been a rollercoaster," Tolo said of her selection. "You're disappointed for the girls that didn't make it because I've been there before and I know what it's like, but to make the team this time around is amazing," the 27-year-old said.
"It's always hard as the Opals are such a tough team. I'm just lucky and fortunate that I made it and I'm so proud to be able to represent Australia, Canberra and my hometown of Mackay as well."
Tolo is a proud University of Canberra graduate who completed a Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Exercise Science in 2012. She played for French teams Aix En Provence and CJM Bourges Basket before signing with WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks in 2015.
The 196cm centre returned to Australia late last year following surgery to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
"When I hurt myself I hadn't even been diagnosed yet and I knew that I'd done something bad. Thankfully I've smashed my recovery and I'm back better than ever."
The squad has been busy training in Australia and headed to the United States in early July for a series of practice games in preparation for Rio.
"We get to play Canada, France and the USA so it will be a really good hit out for us coming up against some of the best teams in the world," she said.
The Opals are ranked second in the world and Tolo is hoping to go one better in Rio in a few weeks' time.
"The Opals have traditionally performed well at the Olympics, we've medalled the last five Olympics and so that will be a tradition we'll be looking to uphold.
"The gold medal is achievable, we've just got to go out and do our best to get it."
The Rio Games start on 5 August.
Read more about our UC Olympic Games and Paralympic Games representatives:
Gracie gears up for Olympic debut
Roberts returns for second Olympics
