New Zealand Clinches Historic Second Consecutive Gold
New Zealand’s women’s rugby sevens team delivered an electrifying performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing their second consecutive gold medal in a hard-fought 19-12 victory against Canada. This win marked a fitting retirement for rugby legends Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Tyla King, ending their illustrious careers on a high note.
Dramatic Upsets Pave the Way for a Thrilling Final
The road to the gold medal match was paved with surprises. Both Canada and the USA pulled off stunning upsets against the tournament favorites, Australia, in the semi-finals. Canada’s victory over the reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champions and SVNS Grand final winners set the stage for their gold medal clash with New Zealand. Meanwhile, the USA made history by securing their first Olympic sevens medal, defeating Rio 2016 gold medallists Australia in a nail-biting bronze medal match.
Gold Medal Match: New Zealand 19-12 Canada
In the gold medal match, New Zealand’s co-captain Risi Pouri-Lane set the pace early with a 50-meter dash to score under the posts. Despite a yellow card for Woodman-Wickliffe, which allowed Canada to level the score and then take the lead, New Zealand’s resilience shone through. Key tries from Michaela Blyde and Stacey Waaka, along with a strong defensive performance, sealed their victory.
Bronze Medal Match: USA 14-12 Australia
The bronze medal match was equally thrilling. USA’s Alex Sedrick clinched a historic win in the final moments, sprinting the length of the pitch to secure a dramatic 14-12 victory over Australia. This triumph marked the USA’s first Olympic sevens medal, underscoring the growing prominence of women’s rugby in the nation.
Semi-Final Highlights
- New Zealand 24-12 USA: New Zealand overcame a slow start to defeat the USA, with standout performances from Stacey Waaka and Michaela Blyde.
- Canada 21-12 Australia: Canada pulled off the shock of the tournament, overcoming a strong Australian team with a second-half surge.
Record-Breaking Performances
Australia’s Maddison Levi set a remarkable new record for the most tries scored in a single Olympic Games, achieving an impressive total of 14. Despite her efforts, Australia finished without a medal.The tournament also featured notable achievements in women’s rugby, including USA’s Ilona Maher rising to become the most followed rugby player on social media.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 women’s rugby sevens tournament was a spectacular showcase of skill, determination, and historic achievements. With over 500,000 fans in attendance and record-breaking performances, the event underscored the growing popularity and competitive spirit of women’s rugby. As the sport continues to evolve, the anticipation for the next Olympic cycle leading to LA 2028 is already building, promising even more thrilling action and inspiring moments.
Medal-Winning Countries:
- New Zealand: Triumphing in an enthralling final against Canada, New Zealand secured back-to-back gold medals. Their victory was marked by exceptional teamwork, strategic gameplay, and standout performances from key players like Risi Pouri-Lane, Michaela Blyde, and Stacey Waaka. The win also marked the end of illustrious careers for Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Tyla King, who retired as Olympic champions.
- Canada: Claiming a hard-earned silver medal, Canada demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Their path to the final included a stunning semi-final upset over Australia, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. Key moments from players like Chloe Daniels and Alysha Corrigan highlighted Canada’s strong performance.
- USA: The United States achieved a historic milestone by earning their first Olympic sevens medal, capturing bronze with a dramatic last-minute try that secured their victory over Australia. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the team and the growth of women’s rugby in the United States. Standout performances from players like Alex Sedrick and Alev Kelter were crucial to their success.
Explore the detailed match results and player highlights to relive the excitement of Paris 2024 and witness the evolution of women’s rugby sevens on the global stage.
Related – Paris Olympics 2024: Antoine Dupont Leads France to Historic Rugby Sevens Gold at Paris 2024