Hortência

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameHortência Maria•de Fátima Marcari Oliva
Used name•Hortência
Nick/petnamesThe Queen
Born23 September 1959 in Potirendaba, São Paulo (BRA)
Measurements174 cm / 60 kg
AffiliationsSeara
NOC Brazil
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Hortência is considered the finest women’s player ever outside of the United States and the Soviet Union. At 174 cm. (5-8½) she was far from the tallest player in most games but she was a potent offensive weapon of whom it was once said by Cheryl Miller, “She can score on anybody.” In 1983, she scored 36 and 46 points against the United States in games at the World Championships and the Pan American Games. With Brazil she won silver medal at the 1996 Olympics, and from 1983-91, won a full set of medals (bronze/silver/gold) at the Pan American Games. She led Brazil to the 1994 World Championship title in Australia. Hortência spent most of her career playing professionally for Prudentinas, a club team in the small town of Presidente Prudente. She retired just before the WNBA was formed, but she played professionally at various times in Peru, Singapore, Malaysia, Bulgaria, and South Korea.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1992 Summer Olympics Basketball (Basketball) BRA Hortência
Basketball, Women (Olympic) Brazil 7
1996 Summer Olympics Basketball (Basketball) BRA Hortência
Basketball, Women (Olympic) Brazil 2 Silver

Olympic family relations

Special Notes