OlympiCs Countdown
HeAther is going for gold in Rio
THERE was never any chance of tennis star Heather Watson ducking out of the Olympics in the way some of the high-profile golfers have.
In fact, the 24-year-old British No.2, who secured her first Grand Slam title when she won the Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon last month, admits she made competing in Rio her top priority for 2016.
“London was one of the best times of my life and as soon as it was over I knew I wanted to be in Rio,” says Watson.
“I don’t understand why some of the golfers pulled out. I just wouldn’t want to miss out on that experience.
“There are still a few tennis players who don’t want to go but I did everything in my power to be involved.
“I think it’s a really big deal. You don’t get to represent your country that often and I’d like to take every opportunity.
“I have no fear about Zika. We’ve been well informed about everything.
“I loved the whole atmosphere of the London Games. My favourite part was being in the village. It was so cool seeing all the other big stars in the flesh.
“I won my first match before losing to Maria Kirilenko, who ended up getting the bronze.
“At the time it was the best I could have done. I was very young. I’m more experienced now.”
Watson was overlooked in the mixed doubles in favour of Laura Robson, who went on to partner Andy Murray to a silver medal.
“I was disappointed to miss out on playing the mixed because I was the highest-ranked Brit and I wanted to play in everything,” she says.
“While singles is always my priority, I hope to play some doubles in Rio too.
“It’s great to win a Slam title. Hopefully it will give me confidence but mixed doubles is very different to singles. It’s more enjoyable and light-hearted.”
Stories circulated that Heather was so delighted to have claimed a title that she left half her prize winnings – around £25,000 – behind the bar to fund a party afterwards.
“That was so funny,” she says. “I didn’t even have my purse! It definitely wasn’t true.”