World no. 1 Eduarda Amorim dreaming of gold at Rio 2016
World champion is counting on a strong Brazilian campaign in the run-up to the Games to win first Olympic title
Duda in action at the London 2012 Games (Getty Images/Jeff Gross)
Eduarda “Duda” Amorim has set new challenges for the Brazilian handball team fresh from individual and team success. In addition to being 2014 World Handball Player of the Year, the amateur athlete wants to excel on home soil and has set her sights on the country’s first Olympic gold in the sport at the Rio 2016 Games.
“The Olympic Games are the dream of any athlete. I also want and am already dreaming of our Olympic medal in Rio. It won’t be easy, and women’s handball is very competitive, but Brazil is capable of getting there,” said Amorim, who has already participated in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012).
Duda is currently one of the stars of Hungarian team Gyor, where she has been a fixture since 2009. Recognised worldwide, the Santa Catarina-born athlete is excited about the prospect of hearing the Brazilian fans cheer her on in her homeland. As hosts, Brazil’s place at the Games is guaranteed.
“It’s always good to be able to count on the fans’ support, raising our spirits. In a closely fought game, it makes all the difference,” she says.
And according to the left-back, Brazil’s sternest rival in the competition will be Norway, a two-time Olympic champion and the first country to qualify for the tournament.
“They are very strong, both physically and mentally,” she says.
Rated the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2013 World Championship, held in Serbia and won by Brazil, Duda was subsequently voted the 2014 World Handball Player of the Year by the International Handball Federation, with 32.5 per cent of over 55,000 votes cast. She is the second Brazilian to receive the prestigious award.
“I was delighted to receive this award. It’s always a great feeling to receive this kind of recognition, making all our sacrifice worthwhile. I want to return to the courts as soon as possible,” she says.
Pleased with her country’s results in the competition, Duda is now focused on the World Championship in Denmark, scheduled for December of this year, which she considers “another important step towards the podium.”
“I think we are on the right track. Winning this World Championship will certainly give us an extra dose of confidence for the Olympic Games,” she concludes.
