EuroBasket Women 2011

On her eighth appearance in a EuroBasket Women, a new record among active players, Maria Stepanova remains as hungry as ever to come away with the prize.

Twice a champion in her career, the 32-year-old is part of a Russian side which is being tipped by many to end up as the victors in Lodz in two weeks time.

For one of the most dominant centres of the modern era, there is an expectation of success. "We're always favourites," she admits.

"Everybody always expects us to be in first place. We understand how difficult it is. Second place for us is very bad."

That is not in Stepanova's plans. As the veteran leader of a talented Russian side, she will once again put her body on the line in the national because, as she reveals in this exclusive interview with FIBAEurope.com, you can never get tired of winning.