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August 2016
Canada
22/07/2016
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Canada stick with 2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship winning roster for Rio Olympics

TORONTO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Just a few days before travelling to the USA to play a four-nation tournament, Canada's head coach Lisa Thomaidis has confirmed the final roster for the Rio Olympics, Canada Basketball announced on Friday. 

Two WNBA players - Natalie Achonwa and Nirra Fields - lead Canada's all-foreign-based team.

 Canada12-player final roster for Rio 2016 Olympic Games   

Natalie Achonwa Miranda Ayim Nirra Fields Kim Gaucher
Miah-Marie Langlois Lizanne Murphy Kia Nurse Katherine Plouffe
Michelle Plouffe Nayo Raincok-Ekunwe Tamara Tatham Shona Thorburn 

Thomaidis, who is in her fourth year at the helm of the Canadians and has been praised for her record (46-22), made sure to keep the entire team that won the 2015 FIBA Americas Women's championships. 

And, by the time the Rio Olympics tip off next month, half of the Canadian team - Achonwa, Miranda Ayim, Lizanne Murphy, Tamara Tatham, Shona Thorburn and Michelle Plouffe - will become two-time Olympians following their appearances at the London Olympics. 

Although the Canadians finished with a 2-4 mark in the British capital, they head to Rio significantly more ambitious, but they will need to prevail in Group B, which includes China, Spain, Senegal, Serbia and the World and Olympics champions the USA.

Addressing the media, Thomaidis said: “We’re extremely proud of these 12 athletes and what they’ve sacrificed and accomplished to get to Rio. We’re ready to take that passion and dedication to the world stage and continue to make Canada proud to support our team.” 

Next week the Canadians will resume their Rio Olympics preparations by taking on FranceAustralia, and hosts USA across the Northeastern United States.

FIBA