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Danielle Lawrie: Softball Canada can win it all at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Danielle Lawrie: Softball Canada can win it all at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
19/07/2021
With past Olympic experience under her belt, Lawrie is ready to help her country go for the gold, as softball returns to the Games for the first time since 2008.

Canada's star pitcher Danielle Lawrie is excited about softball being the first sport played at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. And she thinks Canada can win it all.

"I saw Japan win in 2008 when they weren’t supposed to," Lawrie told WBSC. "It just shows that this is by far the most competitive. Anyone can win at this point. Do I believe it's us? Hell yeah."

World No. 3 Canada will open its Olympic tournament against Mexico on Wednesday, 21 July, at Fukushima Azuma Stadium at 3 pm local time.

"Everyone wanted baseball and softball back, and now it’s finally here," Lawrie said.

Playing behind closed doors

"Even if there are no fans in the stands, you still get that big-league feel and to kick it off before the Opening Ceremony means there are more eyes on us, especially with no fans," Lawrie said.

"I could tell this was a big deal when we walked into the Athletes Village, and there was no softball paraphernalia you could buy anywhere; everything's gone."

Tokyo 2020 – Olympic Softball Schedule

Then 21, Lawrie impressed pitching for Canada at the Beijing Olympics. She earned the win against the Netherlands (9-2) and suffered a 2-0 loss against Venezuela. A lot has happened since 2008.

"It’s so amazing to be here at the venue, being to walk in, and there’s a feeling of wow, we’re lucky to be here...I feel very proud to be where my feet are, I feel very excited."

With past Olympic experience under her belt, Lawrie is ready to help her country go for the gold.

"The older you get, when you are in moments like this, settings of high-pressure situations, the one thing you can rely on to get you through is knowing that you have put in that work. There are moments when I feel dang, I’m old. It's when I feel the wear and tear on the body. Leading up to this moment, I’m in the best possible position that I can be physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m ready for what’s to come."

You might also be interested in:
- Olympic softball preview
- Mexico's Dallas Escobedo on opening the Games


Tokyo 2020 – Olympic Softball