Marine Johannes has stressed the importance of France competing at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments since it is the last major stop for her country on the Road to Paris 2024.
Set to take place in Xi’An, China across February 8-11 next year, France may have already qualified as Olympic hosts, but the significance of the opportunity that lies in wait is certainly not lost on Johannes.
“THE WOQT WILL BE A REAL FIRST TEST… IT’S GOING TO BE A BIG WINDOW” – Marine Johannes
She said: “This window is very important because it is the last one before the start of the Olympic preparation. First of all, a trip to China is not going to be easy. But it’s bound to be an important moment.
“In fact, it’s going to be the beginning of the prep, even if I think in everyone’s mind, it’s already started. The WOQT will be a real first test to see what we can and must work on. It’s going to be a big window.”
The lure of taking to the floor at the Olympics and especially in her own country is a massive lure for the stellar talented guard, who feels that another podium finish like at Tokyo 2020 must be the aim.
Johannes won bronze with France at the last Olympics in Tokyo
“Of course, I’m thinking about it because a lot of people talk about the Olympics in Paris,” confirmed Johannes.
“The international windows of February and November remind us that there is the France team, but we know that the real goal is the Olympics.”
She continued: “Regardless of the color, the medal remains the primary objective. It’s going to be very, very hard. “It’s in Paris so there will be a lot of expectations on all the French teams and all the French athletes. It’s a big event for French basketball. It’s going to be special to experience.”
“I HAVE TO REALIZE THAT I’M NO LONGER THE LITTLE GIRL… I’M NOT THE PERFECT PLAYER, BUT IF I CAN HELP SOME YOUNG PLAYERS, I’LL BE HAPPY TO DO SO” – Marine Johannes
“It’s all positive for Les Bleues. They (the youngsters) will start to see how things go in the France team. Gradually, they will have less apprehension, less stress. They are the future. They will increase in power in the France team. It will soon be their turn, and it is already happening now, which is great.”
France fielded a number of rising stars in the recent FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers
It wasn’t that long ago Johannes herself was the rising star of the team and now her role is being re-defined with so many younger players ready to look up to her for support and direction.
“Yes, I’d like to elaborate a little bit more on that,” mused the 28-year-old.
“I have to realize that I’m no longer the little girl, that I can also have this role, to give advice. I’m not the perfect player but if I can help some young players, I’ll be happy to do so,” she concluded.
Johannes won bronze with France at the last Olympics in Tokyo
France fielded a number of rising stars in the recent FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers
