Sydney's Chloe Dalton wins gold with Sevens team in Rio

Current Elite Athlete Program member and Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) student, Dalton, created history in Rio today, winning the first gold medal in Women’s Rugby Sevens with the Pearls, after their 24-17 result over New Zealand at Deodoro Stadium.

Dalton converted two of Australia’s four tries which were scored by Emma Tonegato, Evania Pelite, Ellia Green and Charlotte Caslick. Australia led 10-7 at the break and turned on a thrilling second-half display to win gold.

It is never easy carrying the mantle of tournament favourite going into the biggest Rugby Sevens tournament ever and the Pearls showed their class against a very determined Kiwi side.

Dalton came to Rugby 7s only 18 months ago, after switching from basketball, where she played for the Sydney Uni Flames.

"I was playing basketball for the Sydney Uni Flames, and just felt like I wanted to try something new. My first ever session was with the NSW 7s squad and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I absolutely loved it. I guess it kept on going from there" said Dalton.

In the lead up to the Rio Games, Dalton was training full-time at the Academy of Sport in Narrabeen. In her short rugby career she has fractured her left ulna three times, "In December last year I had a new plate and screws fixed to my ulna, and they will stay in there until I finish playing rugby".

2016 marks the first year that Rugby 7s has featured at the modern day Olympics.

In the battle for bronze, Canada defeated Great Britain 33-10.

Monday August 8

Katie Ebzery

The Opals are now top of Group A with a hard-fought win over Turkey, 61-56. It wasn’t until the third quarter that Australia managed to edge in front and proceeded to grind out the close victory.

Shooting guard, Ebzery, received a lot more court time in this match and delivered 11 points, two assists and three rebounds.

Ebzery was equal, second-highest scorer for the Opals beyond the imposing Liz Cambage, who snared 22 points. Ebzery excelled, being tasked with shadowing one of Turkey’s aces, Isil Alben, in defense to restrict her opportunities.

The Opals face a notoriously tough opponent in France for their next Group game.

Georgina Morgan

Australia is in Group B of the women’s hockey tournament along with India, Great Britain, Argentina and Japan.

After losing their opening pool match 2-1 to Great Britain, they suffered a 2-1 loss to the United States today.

Australia are drawn to play India at noon (local time) on Thursday. Group A of the tournament includes the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, China and New Zealand.

Johnno Cotterill

The Aussie Sharks have re-grouped after their disappointing close loss to hosts Brazil in their opening game to draw 9-all against multiple-world champions Hungary. In a fiery clash the Sharks capitalised on their extra man plays in both defense and attack.

Johnno Cotterill pitched in with a goal in a great team effort that saw six Aussies make the score sheet. Vice-Captain, Richie Campbell was sensational for the Sharks with a four goal haul.

With their Olympic campaign back on track, the Aussie Sharks face Japan in their next Pool match.

Chloe Dalton

After easily winning their first two pool matches on Day 2 of the Women’s Sevens at the Rio de Janeiro Games, Australia ran into some tougher opposition on Day 3.

Sydney University’s Chloe Dalton converted one of Australia’s two tries in their Pool A 12-all draw with the United States.The win put them into a semi-final against Spain, which they won 24-nil. Dalton converted three of the four Australian tries to help them through to the Day 4 semi-finals which will also feature New Zealand, Canada and Great Britain.

Rachel Neylan

The women’s road cycling race took place by Copacabana beach on Sunday in sunny conditions. Rachel Neylan finished the race in just under four hours with a respectable time of 3:56:34, ranking her 22nd upon completion. Neylan raced gallantly and was among the leaders of the pack at different stages throughout the race.

An unfortunate change in the weather created slippery, dismal conditions along the final stretches of the Vista Chinesa descent which hindered Neylan’s chances of overtaking competitors and moving up the ranks. The race was eventually won by Netherlander Anna van der Breggen with a time of 3:51:27.

Tuesday, August 9

Jessica (Jess) Fox: Canoe Slalom

Tuesday, August 9: Women’s Kayak (K1) heats (2nd run), 1:30am-5:00am AEST. Rank 2nd, 1:39.51.

Chloe Dalton: Women's Rugby Sevens

Tuesday, August 9: Australia v Canada, Medal Semi Final, from 3:30am AEST | Pearls defeat Canada, 17-5.

Tuesday, August 9: Australia v NZ, Gold Medal Game, Kick off 8:00am AEST | Pearls defeat NZ, 24-17.

Isobel Bishop; Hannah Buckling; Keesja Gofers; Lea Yanitsas & Nicola Zagame: Women's Water Polo

Tuesday, August 9: Australia v. Russian Federation, Prelim. Rd., 10:00pm-3:20am AEST.