The six-time Euroleague champion and nine-time medal winner with the Spanish national team doesn’t want to stop. Alba Torrens will turn 35 on August 30, has renewed her contract with Valencia Basket for another season and is still going strong with Spain, captain of a team that will be looking to reach the semi-finals of the Games this Wednesday against Belgium (14:30). The forward from Benisalem (Mallorca) has played 205 games with the national team, but as if it were 1,000. She continues “with the enthusiasm of a child.”
Ask.Undefeated and in the quarterfinals. How did the team recover from the injuries of Raquel Carrera and Silvia Domínguez?
Answer.Together. There have been several occasions when the team has had to get up and adjust, both on and off the court. They were very important players, and it was also an emotional blow. There were moments of sadness and at the same time we had to continue. The team did it in the only way we know how, by supporting each other.
P.What is Spain?
R. Spain is commitment, enthusiasm, work and love for what we do. We go with our heart and responsibility at the same time, it’s a good mix. This team could not have achieved anything if it weren’t like that.
P. How do you compensate for your lack of physicality compared to other teams?
R.Focusing on our strengths and being aware of our weaknesses. When you know what you do well and what you find most difficult, you have taken the first step to face a match. And then there is our way of competing, we have always shown a very high level of competition, with or without victory, the line is very fine. We have the ability to compete against the best.
P.How is generational change cooked up?
R. It is a natural process, which is repeated in these cycles. It is necessary. After a very good moment, with many medals in a row, we are in this change. And in the middle of this change, last year we managed to triumph, a very valuable silver medal at the Eurobasket. It is a great achievement because of the combination of young players, others who have been around for a few years and are taking a step forward, and the veterans that we bring. We all accept our roles.
P.What motivates you?
R. The team motivates me, it has always been special to be here. I feel grateful to continue being part of this group. I have excitement and nerves in my stomach at every moment. That drives me to continue. And responsibility, I want to help the team in whatever role I have, on and off the court. My mentality has always been to contribute, in one way or another. I feel joy for being here, for helping, for adapting and living this unique experience. It is another dream. I still get nervous before games, my heart beats, those are my emotions, and I am happy to feel that way. Experience helps me so that those nerves do not play against me.
P. How has your game changed over the years?
R. My essence hasn’t changed, my way of playing. I wanted to reinforce my virtues. That’s what brought me here. I do find more balance in decision-making now, I’m more aware of the game, of the moments of the match. When I was younger, everything was pure essence.
P.What do you say to young women?
R. When I think of something to say to the young girls, I look at myself and try to do it. I see myself as a veteran and as a captain, and a thousand things come to mind, but I stop and ask myself: But am I doing it? I try to be committed, take on the responsibility that falls to me and have respect for the sport. And renew my hope. I keep dreaming. These are things that I try to remember and not forget.
P.What remains of the young woman who made her debut at the Games in 2008?
R.The love for what I do remains, or I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t the driving force behind it. That girl who started playing is still here. And I wanted to be a footballer, I was very clear about it, but life put basketball in front of me and it was love at first sight. After the first training session, there was no doubt.
P. Belgium?
R. They are a team that knows what they are playing for. They move the ball and know where they want to take it. And Emma Meesseman, if she is not the best in the world, is very close. They can go for everything with a role model like her.
P.Is Ska-P’s The Worker’s Waltz still playing in the locker room?
R.Of course! We continue to resist, we continue to play the waltz, we continue to revolutionize. It comes from Laia Palau, it is her legacy. We go out listening to the waltz.
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