With just 190 days to go until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, preparations have begun in earnest for Talita Antunes and Larissa Franca and their coach Reis Castro. The Brazilian duo, who have been training in Fortaleza, Brazil, will focus on the Olympic Games.

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Multi-titled Talita Antunes and Larissa Franca also won the Swatch Beach volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals in Fort Lauderdale; Photo credit: Andreas Langreiter

In an interview with O Estado Online, Talita said keeping track of priorities this year would be crucial.

“Since we won the spot in Rio, we have devoted ourselves to training more for the Olympics,” she said. “Late last year, we tried to pace ourselves a little, because we wanted to be more focused on Rio this year. Our training pace will not change much this year, because we have had good results which show how much we are on track.”

In 2015, the duo made history in beach volleyball as they reached a milestone of 61 consecutive victories, breaking the previous record held by Larissa’s former partner Juliana. Larissa/Talita were also Brazilian national circuit champions in 2014/2015.

“We had an exceptional year,” Larissa said. “Of course we always hoped we would form a strong team and compete for titles, but the results came so quickly and so consistently, which shows our planning is right. We are both very focused on our goals.”

Indeed, their performances and results have gone beyond everyone’s expectations, but the one thing that the pair has clearly shown is their desire to excel in each and every match they play. 

“I am sure that between now and the Olympics, this concentration and desire to give our best will continue to grow. That is the secret – we always want to improve,” Larissa said.

Larissa/Talita are touted as the competition favourites at the Olympics, but the label does not bother the Brazilian duo. Talita, in fact, sees a positive side to the additional pressure.

“It is important because it boosts our confidence,” Talita said. “Favourites are confirmed on court - we need to keep the focus all the time.”

Brazil is a medal guarantee. Gold and bronze medals for men and women at the #SwatchWTFinalsUSA were awarded to Brazilian teams. Photo credit: Andreas Langreiter

In addition to Talita and Larissa, Brazil will also be represented at the Olympics by elite pairs Agatha Bednarczuk/Barbara Seixas, Alison Cerutti /Bruno Oscar Schmidt, and Pedro Solberg/Evandro Goncalves.

“The Brazilian teams at the Olympics will be very strong, and strong teams will be left out too because of the limited number of berths,” Larissa said. “Brazil has many good teams, which are always vying for medals in the World Tour. It is a strong Olympic cycle, but we have to think about our team. We have to focus and always give our best and good results will continue to come our way.”

Talita and Larissa will play a limited number of tournaments this year. They will participate in the 2015/2016 Brazilian Circuit stop in Niteroi from January 28 to 31 before playing the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Maceio Open from February 23-28.