RUGBY SEVENS: The first Rugby Sevens players to represent Australia at an Olympic Games (YOG) have been presented with their playing jerseys by Susie O’Neill and Jessica Fox.
The 12 girls received their jerseys inside the Australian section of the Youth Olympic Village in Nanjing, China on the eve of the YOG Sevens competition.
“It was an amazing experience to receive an Australian jersey from Susie O’Neill and Jessica Fox. It was such an honour and a privilege and hopefully all of the girls wear the jersey with pride,” Queensland player Shenae Ciesiolka said.
Coach Scott Bowen highlighted the historic nature of this tournament as the first Rugby competition at the Olympic Games since 1924. Not only is this the first time Rugby is contested in a Sevens format, but it is also the first time women have competed in the sport.
Chef de Mission O’Neill spoke about her experiences as a young athlete and encouraged the girls to enjoy the experience, admitting she was “jealous” she is not out there competing with her Team of 89 Australians.
“When I was little, Susie was such a role model to me. I had a pair of togs and I used to wear them around and I thought “oh, I’m wearing Susie O’Neill togs”- I knew who she was and it’s so great to have her here,” Ciesiolka said.
Australia’s Young Ambassador, Fox, who won gold at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010, touched on the highs and lows of her short but illustrious kayaking career to date.
Fox had the players on the edge of their seats as she described her recovery from a catastrophic capsize at the London Olympics to go on to win a silver medal at the age of 18.
“What Jess said was really inspirational- talking about how to stay focused and try not to let our nerves get to us,” Ciesiolka said.
The Australian Rugby Sevens side begins competition tomorrow, Sunday, with clashes against Tunisia and hosts, China.
But first, Rugby Sevens Co-Captain Tiana Penitani will lead the Australian Team at the Opening Ceremony as Australian Flag Bearer this evening.
Follow the 2014 Australian Youth Olympic Team at Olympics.com.au or via @AUSOlympicTeam on social media.
Taya Conomos
Olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam
