"This is the pinnacle" says Ashleigh Barty on Tokyo Olympics

Ashleigh Barty will participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and she is looking to created history for Australia.

Ashleigh Barty will participate at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics representing her native Australia and she is looking to emulate a hero of hers Caty Freeman. It was at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney that Freeman won a gold medal for Australia cementing herself in the history books forever.

A very young Barty watched her do it and remembers it vividly:

"I remember her outfit... and, not really knowing a lot [else] of what was happening being such a youngster. But I remember that outfit. And I think every time you see that outfit now in Australia it’s iconic and everyone knows exactly the purpose of it. It’s a really, really special memory to be etched in my brain."

For Barty playing at the Olympics is something important. It's a sentiment developed at a fairly young age as many Australians do. About the affinity towards the Summer Olympics of Australians Barty said:

“I think so many Aussies feel connected to the Olympics because it's a way to connect to the athletes. The Australian team is always a team of unity [and] togetherness. And I think that every single Australian in the public, everyone feels a part of that team. [It] brings people together to enjoy the experiences and live through the special moments – and the heartbreak as well – with the athletes.”

For Barty the 2020 Olympics will present a golden opportunity to represent Australia at the Olympics which is something she called the pinnacle:

“The green and gold for me is always the pinnacle. I've had a very small taste of it in [Billie Jean King Cup], but I think the Olympics is the pinnacle of every sport. It's a remarkable place to be able to test yourself against the best in the world. All of the best athletes in the world come together in one place, which is quite special."