World number one Lydia Ko of New Zealand spoke on Monday (15th August) ahead of her participation in the women's golf competition at the Rio Games. Ko said that winning the tournament was her "biggest goal" of the year.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Lydia Ko, world number one golfer: (on her excitement at participating in the Games)

"I've been super excited since they announced in 09 (that golf would become an Olympic sport). To know that in a couple of days I can officially be an Olympian, I think it's amazing. I would have never imagined myself to have been in this position. I've always watched the Olympics but to know that there are people that are going to watch me in the Olympics I think is just a great feeling and just a huge honour to represent New Zealand in the Olympics. You can never take that being an Olympian away from you, no matter the result. I think it's just going to be a great accomplishment just to be here and representing your country in the Olympics."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Lydia Ko, world number one golfer: (on how the Olympics tournament compares to others)

"I think every tournament is very special, but I think the Olympics was probably the biggest goal of mine this year. Firstly to represent New Zealand and then obviously to compete in it. If I end up holding a gold medal at the end of Saturday and standing on the podium I think it will be extra special."