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RIMINI, Italy, June 16, 2021 - Dominican veteran
Annerys Vargas is a player who has remained at
the top of her game deep into her career.
One of just three players at the 2021 FIVB
Volleyball Nations League who appeared at the
Athens 2004 Olympics, alongside teammate
Prisilla Rivera and Korea’s Songyi Han, the
39-year-old Vargas has been one of the faces of
‘Las Reinas del Caribe’ (The Queens of the
Caribbean, in Spanish) for over two decades.
A 2009 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup
bronze medallist, the 1.96m-tall middle blocker
remains a key player for the Dominicans as she
continues to produce points for the team as she
did earlier in her career. But she now also
provides a calming, experienced presence for the
younger players.
Vargas doesn’t rely on her experience to earn a
spot in the team, however, opting instead to set
the example with her hard work.
“I still feel great physically and in terms of
motivation it is and will continue to be a huge
honour to be part of the national team,” Vargas
commented. “I believe hard work always brings
rewards and the only way for me to keep playing
after so long is by working hard. I spend a lot
of time in the gym preparing my body for the
matches and I’ve been feeling really well.”
One of the most accomplished players in her
country’s volleyball history, Vargas, who was
selected as the best in her position at the 2008
Olympic Qualification Tournament, the 2010 FIVB
Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship and
the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, is
set to make history again when she participates
in the Olympics for a third time in Tokyo in
less than two months.
Vargas, who was also at the London 2012 Games,
has the potential to create really special
memories in her third Olympic participation. She
will also celebrate her 40th birthday on August
7, just a day ahead of the medal matches in
Tokyo.
“It will be amazing to represent my country at
the Olympics for the third time. It will be
fantastic to spend my birthday there but it
would be even better if I could receive an
Olympic medal as a birthday present.
We are working on it.” |
