Black Ferns repeat as Olympic gold medallists as legends bow out on top

The Black Ferns Sevens team has successfully defended their Tokyo gold medal with a repeat victory over Canada 19-12 in Paris.

In the process they captured New Zealand’s first medal of the Olympic games and sent out a number of legends out on top.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, and Tyla King (previously Nathan-Wong) had previously announce their retirements at the end of the Olympics and finish as double Olympic gold medallists, in addition to silver medalists from Rio 2016.

Sarah Hirini, Michaela Blyde, Stacey Waaka, Risi Pouri-Lane and Alena Saili also captured their second gold medals, joining an exclusive list of New Zealanders to win multiple gold medals.

Jazmin Felix-Hotham, at her first Olympic games, told Sky Sport NZ it was “the best day of her life” after the achievement for what has been a huge month for the family after brother Noah Hotham’s All Black debut.

In additon to Felix-Hotham, Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul and Theresa Setefano all became first-time gold medallists.

“It’s pretty special. I’m proud of the team. I’m proud of the team around us, the people at home who have supported every single one of us, and helped us get to this moment. It takes a whole tribe,” said captain Pouri-Lane.

“We’ve got some great players retiring after this tournament and we owe them such a lot. We’ve learned such a lot from them, and been empowered by them. But not just us, all around the world.”

Your medallists 🫶

🥇 New Zealand
🥈 Canada
🥉 USA #Paris2024 | #RugbySevens pic.twitter.com/w25ihTsTOH

— Rugby Sevens (@SVNSSeries) July 30, 2024

Retiring legend Tyla King spoke of the dedication and discipline to get to training every day as all worth it for the Olympic result, and thanked the country for their support in the early hours of the morning.

The day started with a 24-12 win over United States in the semi-final, while favourites Australia were upset by Canada 21-12.

The final started well for New Zealand with an early try but Canada struck back twice, including an intercept try off Sarah Hirini to take the lead 12-7.

New Zealand used all their experience to stay calm and composed, scoring through Michaela Blyde to take the lead 14-12 in the second half.

With the game in the balance, smiling assassin Stacey Waaka finished off a break down the left flank to give New Zealand a seven-point buffer which remained the final score.

A team full of the game’s greats. Well done to the New Zealand Women’s Sevens side – you did your country proud! 🥇 pic.twitter.com/znnROLTLo6

— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) July 30, 2024

New Zealand retains their women's rugby sevens title with a 19-12 win over Canada! 🏅 Michaela Blyde and Stacey Waaka shine, while Portia Woodman-Wickliffe gets a standing ovation in her final game. Canada’s historic run earns them silver. #RugbySevens #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/vsPyQbKqnD

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) July 30, 2024