New Zealand women’s rugby sevens captain Portia Woodman-Wickliffe bid farewell to her illustrious career in a spectacular fashion by leading her team to a thrilling victory over Canada in the Olympic gold medal match at the Stade de France. The Black Ferns secured back-to-back gold medals, solidifying their dominance in women’s rugby sevens.
Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the most renowned players in world rugby, expressed a mix of emotions following the win. She shared feelings of gratitude, happiness, and a tinge of sadness as she parted ways with her teammates. The 33-year-old athlete reflected on her Olympic journey, which included a silver medal in Rio de Janeiro that left her 'broken-hearted.' However, she described that experience as a valuable lesson that fueled their subsequent triumphs in Tokyo and Paris.
Having experienced the highs and lows of Olympic competition, Woodman-Wickliffe emphasized the importance of team unity and growth. She highlighted the transformation of the Black Ferns from a disconnected group in 2016 to a cohesive and successful team in subsequent years.
As she exits the international stage, Woodman-Wickliffe expressed optimism about the future of women’s rugby and the potential of the next generation of Black Ferns stars. She commended her teammates for their dedication and talent, expressing excitement about the prospects for their continued success on the world stage.
