PARIS (AP)
- Defending champion New Zealand and 2016 gold medalist Australia performed outstandingly on the first day of the Olympic women's rugby sevens competition.
- Both teams dominated their respective groups at Stade de France.
- This strong performance sets the stage for a highly competitive tournament.
— Ilona Maher, a prominent member of the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team, showcased her skills during the Olympics with a standout solo run against Japan, contributing to her team's opening victory. Known for her engaging social media presence, Maher aims to leverage the Paris Games to elevate the profile of women's rugby. The presence of NFL veteran Jason Kelce at the event provided an opportunity for Maher to promote the sport further, following his attendance at a women’s field hockey match. Brazilian player Raquel Kochhann made a remarkable return to the Olympics after overcoming breast cancer, participating in her third Games. Her journey serves as an inspiration, emphasizing the support she received from her teammates during her recovery. Meanwhile, Australian Maddison Levi had an impressive performance, scoring four tries in her team's 34-5 win over South Africa, while her sister Teagan also contributed to the family tally. New Zealand's Michaela Blyde scored four tries in a dominant 43-5 victory over China but faced challenges in a subsequent match against Canada. The French women's team also made headlines with a commanding 49-0 win over Japan, following their men's team’s gold medal triumph. Maher expressed her commitment to raising awareness for women's rugby, stating, “Me and my friends are keen on getting the sport out there and getting us noticed,” highlighting the collective effort to promote the game.