More from Lisa Leslie: Sept. 20

Question: You've won some close games so far. Has the competition been tougher than you expected?

Lisa Leslie: We have won some close games and it's expected when your the defending champions. We feel as if the target is on our backs and our opponents always play their best against us.

Question: Which country do you think has been or will be the toughest to play?

Lisa Leslie: I believe Russia, Australia, Korea and Brazil are our toughest competion.

Question: Does international play differ much from WNBA play?

Lisa Leslie: International play is much different than the style we play in the WNBA. Internationally the rules are different. The ball is larger than in the WNBA. The Pant/Key is wider and the three point line is about ten feet further out than in the WNBA. Aside from the rules, the game is much more physical and played at a much faster pace since you cannot substitute at any time -- only when your team has possession of the ball or when the other team is substituting on their possession.

Lisa Leslie scored 21 points in the U.S. win over New Zealand.(AP)

Question: How do the Sydney venues and facilities compare to Atlanta's?

Lisa Leslie: The venues here in Sydney are great because they are all so close together. You can literally see about five different venues in one area. Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, and Track & Field.

Question: What is the toughest thing about playing sports?

Lisa Leslie: The hardest thing about playing sports especially at this level is being mentally ready to play even when you don't feel like it!! We are all physically capable of playing, but the mental aspect is where we have an edge, nothing but GOLD!

Question: What's the most rewarding thing about being an athlete?

Lisa Leslie: The most rewarding thing is having a GOLD medal placed around my neck and having our National Athem played.

Question: You're a role model for so many girls. Who would you say was your role model growing up?

Lisa Leslie: My sports role model was James Worthy who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in Inglewood, Calif. where I lived for several years. I really admired him because they called him "Big Game James". When everthe Lakers needed a big basket Magic would get the ball to James. I then decided I wanted to be a go-to player for my team.

Question: What's the biggest difference between Australia and the U.S.?

Lisa Leslie: The train system. It is amazing how millions of people use the train here every day to get in and out of the Olympic venues. It all runs so smoothly without cost or delay! I am totally impressed!! Aside from that, It's amazing to me what a melting pot it is here. The Australians have so many different cultures here that make up the Australian Nation. There are people of different complexions/color, size, and hair color. There"s a variety of people who look as if they could be from Asia, Hawaii or Africa, but to my surprise they are born and raised -- with accents and all -- here in Australia! As a result, the people are very kind to foreigners, because they may never know who's truly Australian or not!

Question: When you won the gold medal in Atlanta, what went through your head when you heard the National Anthem played?

Lisa Leslie: One of my highlights in life was listening to the National Athem after having the GOLD medal placed around my neck. I was so happy and relieved at the same time because I actually lived to achieve a lifetime goal and that's an awesome feeling!! So now I'm really excited because I have the opportunity to do it twice! Wait 'til my grandchildren here about this!!!!