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RIO DE JANEIRO – Two former student-athletes from the University of San Francisco sat down with USF's Director of Creative Video, Katie Morgan, to talk about the Olympic experience, from their dreams to compete to walking in the opening ceremonies to their hopes for success on the Olympic stage.

Maor Tiyouri '14, recalls her route to the Olympic stage, and the influence that running for the Dons had on her journey.

"My dream to represent Israel in the Olympics was always there since I was young," noted Tiyouri," and I think going to the University of San Francisco and training with the Boulder Track Club were milestones on the way. Competing at the University was really helpful. I learned a lot as an athlete and as a person, and I think it opened a lot of doors for me."

The four-time West Coast Conference cross country team champion and three-time NCAA qualifier on the track is ready to compete for her native Israel, running just her second career marathon. Learn more about Tiyouri's determination to achieve her Olympic dream here >>

"Representing Israel, wearing our uniform, I think it's one of the most proud moments I can have as an Israeli athlete."

John Cox already has his feet wet in this Olympic Games, competing in four contests for his country of birth, Venezuela. The 35 year old Cox has been averaging 9.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He led the team in a loss to the United States, scoring 19 points and playing 31 minutes, garnering notice and praise from his cousin Kobe Bryant on Twitter.

"I've always participated with the national team, and fortunately last year at FIBA Americas we qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 1992, and it brought me here to Rio," said Cox. "I never thought that I would be here in the Olympics, and now being here after qualifying last year – it's amazing … It just feels like the pinnacle of my career.

"Really I just want to leave everything out there. You kind of want to perform your best, so not only do you want to play hard here at the Olympics, but you want to have a good showing. You want to try to keep doing something special."

Both Dons will be in action tomorrow. Tiyouri and the women's marathoners hit the streets of Rio on at 5:30 a.m., PT, and Cox and Team Venezuela take to the court against Australia in group play beginning at 3 p.m.