Waterman’s persistence pays off

Congrats on making the Great Britain Squad - can you put into words that feeling of being selected?It is a true honour to be selected into this squad and nothing short of a dream come true. Everyone in our squad this year has been pushing unbelievably hard for this final selection. The quality of players that didn't make it, show where we have come as a team.  This time last year I was also struggling to walk down stairs with a difficult knee injury, so to be in this position is amazing!What does it mean to become an Olympian?I always saw it as an impossible dream growing up with rugby not an Olympic sport, and used to joke with my friends about what sport I would try to do so I could be an Olympian.  To now have the opportunity of not only competing in, but also showcasing the sport I love, at the biggest sporting event in the world, is unbelievable!

You've been involved in major tournaments for many years - how does this compare as a build-up?Although we have had good support in terms of time together in the past, nothing compares to having professional contracts over the past two years.  This has really enhanced our opportunity to develop as athletes, as well as rugby players. The game of sevens is fast and furious, and you have to be at the top of your physical game as well as technically and tactically nailing all of your basic skills.  Time together on a daily basis really helps this.Although only one squad member isn't English - does being part of a Great Britain team feel different going into a major tournament?It has been brilliant to become part of the Great Britain and really special to be given the same kit that all the athletes wear. I definitely think being part of such an iconic team enhances us as a rugby squad. Not only have we benefited from the other home nation girls training with us, but we have also had our management strengthened with the likes of Richie Pugh as Assistant Coach.

You're now in Rio - what are you first impressions?We’ve been training at GB’s holding camp Belo Horizonte before flying to Rio later this week. There is a real buzz about the whole of Team GB, and a lot of time and effort has been spent on making us feel part of one team. I love seeing all the different shapes and sizes of other athletes at the peak of the careers....a few people have struggled to guess our sport because of our eclectic mix!What are you most looking forward to in the run up to the first game?I suppose it sounds a little boring to say, but I am trying to focus on it being like every other World Series tournament. Obviously we are enjoying the atmosphere of being part of the Olympics, but first and foremost we need to perform.  We have been working through all of our processes as a team and I will be trying to ensure I can contribute my role both on and off the field as I normally do before any tournament.

The Olympics is a three day tournament which is still rare in women's sevens competitions - have you had to prepare for that differently?We have not had many official tournaments over three days, however our training schedule has reflected this for the past year.  Our coaches have worked really hard with our strength and conditioning coach to try and ensure we are physically prepared by having the appropriate training stimulus over a three day period each week.

We have also had long gaps between sessions to help prepare us mentally for the gaps between each of the games. Methods of entertainment have been interesting to say the least!

You open up against the host nation - GB will be expected to beat them but that must be a game to look forward to for the uniqueness in itself?One of my favourite things before any game is standing in the tunnel and feeling the energy from the crowd...which I think is going to be pretty awesome for this game!  We are expecting nothing less than a huge performance from Brazil, but we will be focussing on our own processes to ensure we have not only the result, but the performance we want to start our Olympic campaign.

How do you feel the form of the team is going into the tournament?I don't think as a side we have ever been in better physical shape, and we are really starting to cement how we want to play as a team. Our win in Langford gave us real confidence, but we know there are so many other teams performing at the top level. With Australia being current World Series champions, Canada winning the final leg in Clermont, and New Zealand making so many finals, not to mention the French, Americans and Fijians, this competition is going to go down to the wire!

What does success look like for the team?For us success is not only getting the final result, but also ensuring we stick to our game plan and the processes given to us by the coaches.  When it comes to the knock out stages it is important to continue building your performances, as this also helps gives you confidence when faced by the best opposition.