'A really difficult experience': How the Olympics inspired golden run

Rugby Sevens star Charlotte Caslick credits the fear of “sucking” as much as they did at the Tokyo Olympics for inspiring Australia’s golden run of form this year, which they will hope to continue at the Sydney Sevens in January.

The Aussies went through the 2016 Olympics undefeated and were tipped for medal honours again in Tokyo but were ambushed by eventual bronze medallists Fiji and bowed out in the quarterfinals.

After some post-Games soul-searching, the Australians have dusted themselves off to win every major Sevens trophy on offer this season, including the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

Sharni Williams on the Wallaroos’ quarter-final loss to England.

Sharni Williams on the Wallaroos’ quarter-final loss to England.

Caslick said Olympic heartache had been the catalyst for the dream run of form.

“We sucked so much at Tokyo and everyone doesn’t really want to feel like that again,” she told reporters.

“It was a really difficult experience for a lot of the girls.

“We had a collective agreement that we didn’t really speak about too much but we all knew that we had to work harder and be better.

“We weren’t fit enough, that was a big one.

“There were a few things off-field that we needed to sort out around nutrition and making sure that we were treating our bodies with the respect they deserve.”

"All four teams have played consistently excellent rugby with a few standout players particularly catching the eye."@MattMerritt ??? on who to keep an eye on as we approach the semi-finals of #RWC2021https://t.co/3ZdpLYivpR

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 30, 2022

Now, the Australians are hoping to continue their hot run of form at next year’s Sydney Sevens, where they’ll have the chance to add another string to their bow: victory on home soil.

COVID-19 restrictions have forced the Sydney Sevens into hiatus for three years but the new Allianz Stadium will host a weekend of matches between January 27 and 29.

“We’ve got such a young squad that some of them have never actually experienced playing in front of a home stadium,” Caslick said.

“All the girls are really looking forward to showcasing their skills in front of everyone.”

Despite their seemingly inexorable run of form, Australia have the potential to reach new heights on their home turf, according to Caslick.

“There’s definitely another level (we can reach),” she said.

“Obviously now everyone’s going to be trying to chase us and we’re going to be the ones that everyone wants to beat.

“When you’re at home, everyone wants to beat you even more.

“(But) this group seems to do really well under pressure and thrive under it.”