Australia’s Olympians today cited having their families and friends in the stands as being the “extra motivation” that would fuel their performances at the Paris Games.
Hundreds of Aussie fans are expected to turn out in support of the 460-strong Australian Team across 33 sports during the two-weeks of competition.
This is a stark contrast to the COVID-19-impacted Tokyo Games where competition was held without spectators and families had to watch on television from home.
At the team’s first press conference today, men's Rugby Sevens captain Nick Malouf said having those people who have supported his sporting journey as being paramount to his success.
“Not that you need any extra, but it's always a bit of extra motivation to play well and not just represent your country, but your family as well,” Nick said, who will run out for Australia at his third Games.
“I have Mum and Dad coming over, my wife and my little boy too.
“I dare say this will probably be my last Olympics, it’s just great to be able to share the occasion with them.
“It's great they can be a part of such a huge occasion. They put so much effort into us, and as well as support, so hopefully they'll be able to enjoy the experience as much as us.”
For teammate, and two-time Olympian Nathan Lawson, the experience will be vastly different from his debut in Tokyo, where after years of being on the sidelines, his family was relegated to watching from Sydney.
“I debuted in Tokyo; my family was so excited,” he said.
“It was a bit of a disappointment for them not to be able to watch in person.
“I’ve got my partner and both my parents coming over. They're all very excited to come watch at Stade de France Star and cheer us all on.
Hockeyroos co-captain Jane Claxton, who made her Olympic debut in Rio, said excitement was at fever pitch for her clan. Her older brother Matthew played for South Australia in the Australian Hockey League.
“I come from a huge hockey nerd family, so they are loving the prospect of two weeks of just hockey, watching not only us in the women's side, but the men's side and every other team in between,” she said.
“It's special having that. And also, my ‘roommate’, also known as my fiancé, is coming over so he'll love it as well.”
The Australian Sevens Team kick-off the nation’s Olympic campaign against Samoa on 24 July.
Catriona Dixon
