Jessica Augusto's footie playing fella
European 10,000m bronze medallist Jessica Augusto of Portgual is the
girlfriend of Portuguese national football goalkeeper Eduardo.
Spikesmag.com caught up with Jessica ahead of the European Cross
Country Championships, which take place in her homeland later this
month, to talk playing on the Wii, taking penalties and why Francis
Obikwelu would make a good footballer.
How did you guys (Jessica and Eduardo) meet?
JA: At school.
What was your first football memory?
JA: Seeing Eduardo play
Did you used to play football as a youngster and, if so, what position did you play and to what standard?
JA: Yes, I was goalkeeper (the same position as Eduardo says spikesmag.com)
Which football team do you follow?
JA: Genoa CFC .(Eduardo’s team, now that’s loyalty)
Do you ever watch your team play live?
JA: When possible
Who is your favourite footballer and why?
JA: Eduardo, because he’s a great professional (again, spikesmag.com admires the loyalty)
What are the best and worst things about having a fellow sports star as a boyfriend?
JA: I don’t see any advantages or disadvantages.
Do you ever watch Eduardo play?
JA: Every time I can.
Does Eduardo ever join in your training sessions and, if so, who wins the training sessions?
JA: No, he wouldn’t keep up!
What time do you think Eduardo can record for a 10km?
JA: Probably, one hour. (Note, Jessica’s PB is 31:19 for 10,000m
so that would be almost twice as fast as she believes her boyfriend
could run for the distance)
Who is the more competitive person, you or Eduardo?
JA: We both are.
Do you ever play any games, for example, Wii at home and if so, who wins?
JA: We love to play Wii and usually it’s a tie. When one of us wins a game the other one wins the next.
Do you manage to see a lot of each other because I guess you are apart training for much of the year?
JA: We always have time to see each other.
Is there one thing about athletics which you think could improve football?
JA: Athletics is a lonelier sport and focuses especially on
individual performance that eventually leads to better team results.
Maybe this could be a plus in football: achieve the best individually
so that as a team you are unbeatable.
Is there one thing about football which you think could improve athletics?
JA: If athletics had the same media coverage as football it
would probably have more youngsters competing, which would assure a
better future for this sport.
Which person in track and field do you think would make the best footballer and why?
JA: Francis Obikwelu (Francis won the 2004 Olympic 100m silver medal) because of his speed
Which footballer do you think would make the best track and field athlete?
JA: João Moutinho (The Porto midfielder and 24-times capped Portuguese international) because of his endurance
What is your favourite footballing memory?
JA: The Carlsberg Cup, when Vitória de Setúbal beats Sporting CP
in penalties. (Note, Eduardo saved three penalties in the shoot out)
Why does Portugal produce so many great footballers and distance runners?
JA: We’re fighting and hardworking people that want to keep tradition.
Have you ever tried to score a penalty past Eduardo and, if so, did you score?
JA:
No, but if I tried I’d score for sure!