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Facundo Conte Wants An Olympic Medal Like Dad

In an article released by the FIVB, the 2015 Pan American Games gold medalist and MVP shares a lot about his life on and off the volleyball court.

Conte Almost Gave Up

“Between the ages of 12 and 13, I almost stopped playing. Being the son of Hugo Conte came with too much baggage. Also, people talked a lot and thought I played because a deal had been struck. Eventually I got over it and decided to face my future and not leave the sport, because I really enjoyed playing. Everything I am today I am thanks to him and all that he did.”

The ‘he’ Conte refers to is Hugo Conte, his father. Now a coach, he was also one of Argentina’s top players, remembered in particular for his contribution to the country’s bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games.

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Family Comes First

“I have a Whatsapp group with my family and they support me every day. I learned from the best: my parents and my sisters,” said Conte. “With my dad I talk a lot, before and after games. I learned everything from watching him. It helps me a lot to deal with things.”

The most important thing he learned from his father is “to have fun, play with passion, trust your team-mates and be clear in your head in important moments”.

Hugo Conte: “My wish is that he makes his own history, as he already is doing.”

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2015 Pan American Games

In July, he helped Argentina to victory at the Pan American Games in Toronto – his country’s first triumph in 20 years – and was named the competition’s MVP.

Conte: “It’s the first medal for this group. It is very important because we had never won anything. We were missing a win with Argentina,” said Conte afterwards. “This, together with the Polish championship, are the titles that I have achieved in my career. The two gold medals of my life.”

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Major Goal

“My father already has an Olympic medal. I hope someday to have one too.”

Click here to read the full article.

FYI: As of press time, Argentina is currently ranked 5th out of 12 teams in the ongoing FIVB World Cup with a 3-2 record.

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(images: FIVB)

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