Lausanne, Switzerland, March 1, 2018 - An Olympic gold medallist in 2012 and a six-time FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix winner, Natalia Pereira has gold at this year's FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Japan high on her list of priorities after winning bronze in 2014 and silver in 2010. In an exclusive interview with the FIVB, she talks about the season ahead, including the new FIVB Volleyball Nations League.
Quick links - Volleyball:
FIVB.com - Volleyball
FIVB.com
Latest Videos
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
How important is the new Volleyball Nations League for you and your team this year?
Natalia Pereira: It is a new tournament that is bigger than the World Grand Prix and will be an important step for our team to prepare for the World Championship, which is our main goal this year.
What do you think about the new format of the Volleyball Nations League?
Natalia: I think it will be a great experience to play in the Volleyball Nations League. I am excited to see how our team will play this year and I also believe it will be a good way to prepare for Japan.
Which teams will be your biggest opponents?
Natalia: It is difficult to say, but a lot of teams have been playing good volleyball, such as China, the United States, Serbia, Russia, Italy, Japan, Netherlands and others.
What are your goals for the Women's World Championship?
Natalia: We want to play our best volleyball and achieve the best result possible in the FIVB World Championship. We know that we have strong opponents and we are practising really hard to get into our best shape.”
What could volleyball make even more interesting for players and fans in the future?
Natalia: Volleyball has already achieved a level that is excellent entertainment for fans and we always need to think of new ideas to make our sport even better.
What do you think about the technical innovations in volleyball?
Natalia: I think that some innovations, such as the video check, are really important for volleyball. Also, I enjoyed when volleyball was played in a stadium and I would like some women’s games to be played there as well.
Which of your successes so far do you rate as the biggest?
Natalia: It is difficult to choose only one from so many good memories that I have in volleyball. However, the gold medal from the 2012 Olympics in London is very special.
Which dreams and goals do you still have as a volleyball player?
Natalia: I love playing volleyball. Almost everything that I have achieved in my life came from volleyball. I want to continue playing as long as I am feeling good as a player and at a good level. I would love to win the World Championship and to compete in the Olympic Games one more time.
What has made the Brazilian national team so successful over so many years? What’s the secret?
Natalia: I think we practise really hard and it is an important characteristic of the Brazilian national team.
How difficult is it for you to play abroad for long periods of time, with your club in Turkey?
Natalia: I am already used to living abroad. I wanted to have the experience of playing abroad and getting to know a new culture. It has been an amazing experience. Of course, I miss my home, family and friends, but the career of a player is short and I want to make the most of it!