Chris Goulding signs a new deal with Melbourne United and says he is desperate to go to Rio Olympics

STAR guard Chris Goulding says he is desperate to achieve his long-awaited Olympic dream after inking a new deal with Melbourne United.

Chris Goulding is back at Melbourne United and has his sights set on playing at the Olympic Games.

STAR guard Chris Goulding says he is desperate to achieve his long-awaited Olympic dream after inking a new deal with Melbourne United.

As revealed by the Herald Sun, Goulding has re-signed for the next two seasons in a big win for the Victorian NBL side and the league.

The 27-year-old will now turn his attention to being a part of the star-studded Australian Boomers’ Olympic team.

Chris Goulding is back at Melbourne United and has his sights set on playing at the Olympic Games.

“Ever since the season finished, all I’ve thought about is the Olympics, to be honest,” Goulding said.

“I think for my career, that would be the highlight so far if I could make that team.”

A 17-man man Australian Boomers squad – including Goulding – will come together for a selection camp in Melbourne in July.

Only 12 will players will be selected for Rio.

Goulding has a strong case to be a part of the team.

The prolific scorer was a part of the Boomers’ 2014 World Cup side and last year’s Olympic qualifying series team against New Zealand.

He will also enter the Melbourne camp in superb shape after just returning from a playing stint in Italy.

“Once I finished my season in Italy, I wished we could have gone straight into (Boomers) camp,” Goulding said.

“We have five-and-a-half weeks until the camp, so it gives everyone a nice little tune-up and the NBA guys enough time to rest and get fresh before they come into camp.

“I think it’ll be a slog those first few days and pretty competitive.

“My body is feeling really good and touch wood I can stay healthy until camp.”

Goulding is hoping to play in Rio before returning home to lead Melbourne next season.

“I was confident if I was going to be staying in Australia it would be with Melbourne,” he said.

“I’ve already jumped around a little bit in the early stages of my career so I’m happy to be staying put for a little bit.

United coach Dean Demopoulos said he was thrilled to retain Goulding.

“It’s terrific for the city - he was a priority (signing) and I have to give the ownership and (United chief executive) Vince (Crivelli) the thumbs up for getting him signed,” he said.

“He’s a natural leader of this ball club and arguably the face of the franchise.”

Originally published as Chris Goulding signs a new deal with Melbourne United and says he is desperate to go to Rio Olympics