It’s hard to imagine the star-studded Matildas team without the skillful manoeuvres of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. But that was very nearly the case, with Arnold revealing she almost gave up the Australian team after the most recent two Olympic Games.
In a new video shared by the Matildas and the Australian Olympic Team, Arnold, 30, opened up about just how difficult her road to the 2024 Paris Olympics has been.
The interview-style clip posted to Instagram featured a person behind the camera, who could be heard asking Arnold, “What do the Olympics mean to you?”
Immediately, the usually stoic footballer appeared emotional, and refused to answer the question. “Nah, I’m not answering that — you know why. I’m not answering that,” she said.
Eventually, more information was coaxed out of Arnold, who went on to explain that, despite being picked for the last two Olympic Games, she had only ever competed in just one match.
“When I think of the Olympics, obviously I haven’t really been part of the team directly in the last two Olympics,” she explained.
“I think I only played one in Rio and obviously was part of the extended squad in Tokyo.”
Of course, being sidelined at the previous games means Arnold’s excitement is at an all-time high for Paris, where she’s likely to put her world-class goalkeeping skills to the test.
“When I think about potentially playing in Paris, it brings a lot of emotions up, and excitement’s obviously a big one,” she said.
“I think I’m just so proud of myself to have gotten to this stage, because if I think back to three years earlier to when Tokyo was, I was probably nearly ready to quit.
“So, if I fast-forward to now, I’m just really proud to see how far I’ve come, and my mindset and the change in that to get me to this place.”
Arnold has been a star fixture in the Matildas team in recent years, but was particularly instrumental in their recent victory against France in the quarter final of the Women’s World Cup. Her deftness in the goal – blocking several attempts by France – was key to clinching Australia the victory, and capturing the hearts of those watching the match across the country.
Who Will Compete For The Matildas At The Olympics?
The Matildas will take a squad of 18 to Paris ahead of the Olympic Games. The following players have been selected for the squad:
- Mackenzie Arnold
- Ellie Carpenter
- Steph Catley
- Kyra Cooney-Cross
- Caitlin Foord
- Mary Fowler
- Katrina Gorry
- Michelle Heyman
- Clare Hunt
- Alanna Kennedy
- Teagan Micah
- Clare Polkinghorne
- Hayley Raso
- Kaitlyn Torpey
- Emily van Egmond
- Cortnee Vine
- Clare Wheeler
- Tameka Yallop
Of course, only 16 people can play in a match at one time, so not everyone on the squad will necessarily compete at the Olympics. Most notably, captain Sam Kerr is not included in the squad, after being ruled out in late May due to an ongoing ACL injury.
Where Can I Watch The Matildas At The Olympics?
For all the details on the Matildas 2024 Paris Olympics schedule, click here.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
