Four tennis players named to represent Team GB at Rio Olympic Games
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Andy Murray, Jamie Murray, Johanna Konta and Heather Watson have been named as the four tennis players who will represent Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
At a press conference at The Queen’s Club on Friday, the British Olympic Association (BOA) revealed that Andy, a gold medallist at London 2012, will be joined by older brother Jamie.
Konta, the British No.1 and current World No.18 will be making her Olympic debut in Brazil between August 5th and 21st and three-time WTA tour title winner Watson returns for her second Games.
Murray memorably won Gold four years ago on the Wimbledon Centre Court with a watershed victory over Roger Federer and also clinched a silver medal in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson.
Mark England, Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Rio 2016 said: “There is invaluable Olympic experience in this squad. Double medallist Andy is the defending men’s singles champion and Jamie one of the world’s best doubles players.
“Heather I am sure will lean on the experience from London 2012 and use that to her advantage; and it is brilliant to welcome Johanna into Team GB for the first time after a sensational year so far. It’s a very strong team.”
Iain Bates, Team GB Tennis Team Leader said: “I am delighted to announce at this stage four British players who have been selected and had their places confirmed by the ITF for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“The challenge for us having performed so successfully at a home Games at London 2012 will be to try and match that achievement at an away Games in Rio but we are very much looking forward to it as a team.”
Fun Facts
- Team GB have amassed more tennis medals than any other nation at the Olympic Games with 44
- Team GB in Rio is expected to be around 350 athletes from 23 sports
- Tennis appeared at the first Olympic Games in 1896
Quotes corner:
Andy Murray
“Playing for Team GB during London 2012 gave me some of the best memories I have in sport.
"Winning medals for your country is as good as it gets and I can’t wait to get to Rio to try and win more medals.”
Heather Watson
“I am very excited, I’ve worked really hard for this and it’s been the main goal for me this year.
“I had such a great experience at London 2012 and I can’t wait to have the opportunity again to represent my country and be part of the Olympic Games, which is a dream come true."
Jamie Murray
“I'm very pleased to have the made the cut for Rio and to play my third Olympic Games. Having won the Davis Cup last year for Great Britain there's nothing better than representing your country and to do with someone from your family is a real bonus.”
Johanna Konta
"It's such an honour to have the rare opportunity to represent my country in an Olympic Games. I'm looking forward to doing my part for Team GB and supporting my teammates across all the sports."
