Chris Goulding recovers from ankle injury to make Boomers basketball squad for Rio Olympics

ANDREW Bogut wasn’t the only Aussie basketballer fighting off injury to qualify for Rio. Melbourne United star Chris Goulding will be on the plane after an ‘aggressive rehab plan’.

Chris Goulding went above and beyond to ensure he could fulfil his Rio Olympic dream. Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE United star guard Chris Goulding underwent around-the-clock ankle treatment as part of an “aggressive rehab plan” to salvage his Olympic dream.

Goulding was yesterday one of six Australian players selected for their first Olympics by Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis.

Although, Goulding feared it may have been all over when he went over on his ankle on the eve of last week’s crucial selection camp.

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While the rest of the Boomers’ squad ventured to Uluru last weekend for a pre-camp visit, Goulding remained in Melbourne for treatment that included hyperbaric chambers, a compression machine and ice treatment at all hours.

“When I initially did it, I was devastated,” Goulding said.

“But sitting around and sooking wasn’t going to do me any good, so I threw myself into a really aggressive rehab plan which the Boomers’ doctors and physios and also Melbourne United put together.

“I credit them for getting me right.”

He was restricted to light duties early in the camp when 18 players were all fighting for 12 spots.

Although, he was able to prove his fitness for the month ahead by playing in a scrimmage match late last week.

Chris Goulding hams it up with injured Boomers centre Andrew Bogut at training. Picture: Michael Klein

“The camp was really intense and aggressive from the start so I knew I was missing out early on, but it also made me want to get back ready and be a part of it,” Goulding said.

“I think I found a good balance without doing any additional damage to the ankle.

“I didn’t have a fantastic camp but I did show it wasn’t hindering me too bad.”

Goulding is one of three NBL players in the Boomers’ final squad of 12, alongside fellow Olympic first-timers Damian Martin and league MVP Kevin Lisch.

He has been in the Boomers’ program for a number of year and Lemanis said his body of work was a key reason for his inclusion in the final Rio team.

“One of the things I’ve really appreciated with Chris over the past few years of getting to know him is how much it means for him to play for Australia,” Lemanis said.

“And also his willingness to accept and contribute in whichever way is necessary.

“You talk to his teammates and they’ve spoken of his ability to have a positive contribution off the bench, whether he is playing or not playing.

“He’s fully into the team and his teammates and helps players with what he’s seen on the floor, which is important.”

The 27-year-old said being selected in the talent-laden Australian squad that features six NBA players is his career highlight to date.

“It’s amazing and really satisfying,” he said.

“There’s a huge amount of relief, but then you switch your mind as we’ve got a job to do.

“There’ll be no relaxing or being happy for ourselves.

“We’ve got a job to do and we’ll be working towards that.”

Originally published as Chris Goulding recovers from ankle injury to make Boomers basketball squad for Rio Olympics