Wallace de Souza
In an exclusive interview for the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) website, the Olympic champion talks about his passion for volleyball, the motivation to be on the court, the most outstanding game of his career, the recognition of the fans etc.
Is playing volleyball a pleasure or a profession?
„Both. You can’t exclude one. Volleyball is something very important in my life. I feel a lot of pleasure on the court, playing volleyball, and that’s my profession, that’s what gives my livelihood. The fact is that I am very happy and I feel privileged to be able to feel the passion while playing it. I live volleyball.“
What motivates you most on the court?
„I play a lot for my family, for my son. That really motivates me a lot. When they are in the gym then it is very special. Besides all the love that we, athletes, have for volleyball, this family support gives you a huge motivation to play at the maximum.“
You are often the highest scorer of the games in any competition you are playing. Is this a personal goal?
„No. This is normal because I am an opposite, who is the player who ends up getting more balls, the one who is on the court to help in the attack and, as it turns out, to score more. I usually say it’s pointless to be the best scorer and your team loses. I prefer always to have a good attack percentage, which is my main function inside the court, to help the team in the best possible way.“
Was the Olympic final in Rio de Janeiro the most important game of your life?
„Yes. I had already played the final in London and winning the gold, it was very special. Something that feels like to be from another world. But in the last edition, because we were at home, because of all the pressure we had, the story we went through to reach the final and, of course, that match was the most remarkable game of my life.“
You are one of the recognized athletes worldwide. What does it mean to you?
„It’s cool to have the recognition, the admiration of the audience because it shows that the work has been done well. This is the way. But I have always been very polite so that this question never rises, never leave me dazzled. Sometimes I get too angry to lose because the will to win is too big. I charge a lot, in every game, and this is very difficult. I do this for myself, but for everyone in the group. I believe people see this and enjoy seeing that attitude in me. Perhaps it is one of the main reasons for this admiration and I am happy about it.“
What is still missing in your career?
„Ah, some things. Being an Olympic champion is undoubtedly very special. Many consider the top of an athlete’s career. And it may be, but I do not consider myself satisfied. I want more. I want to conquer, for example, championships that I do not yet have. I still want a World Championship title, a League of Nations title and a World Cup. The rest, I think I’ve achieved everything,“ laughs Wallace de Souza.
How’s life in Rio de Janeiro going? Already got used to the lifestyle of the city?
„We hear a lot about the violence in Rio and I came afraid. Bringing the family ends up generating a natural concern in front of everything you see in the newspapers, but as time passed by I was reassuring. Today we are gradually getting to know the best and we are happy in the city,“ finishes Wallace.
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