Poole-born Sevens star Wilson-Hardy off to second Olympics after eight-year wait

POOLE-born Amy Wilson-Hardy will make her second Olympic appearance at Paris 2024 eight years after her first.

The sevens veteran was part of the team who finished a heartbreaking fourth place during the sport's debut at Rio 2016 but missed out on a second Games at Tokyo.

The 32-year-old has now been named as part of Team GB's 12-strong sevens squad for this summer's Olympics, one of just four returners in the team, with Welsh flier Jasmine Joyce set to become the first British rugby player to appear at three Olympic Games.

Wilson Hardy is thrilled to be able to generate a whole new wave of memories as she steps out in the Stade de France this summer.

"It's been a while since my last Games so I'm super excited to be back in the mix," she said.

"The Olympics became a dream for me quite late on due to it only being in the Olympics since Rio and I still pinch myself from that first appearance.

"What amazing about an Olympics is that the host nation will always put its own twist on it.

"I look back on Rio and remember part of it as absolutely heartbreaking when you're so close to a medal and then losing the bronze medal game.

"But I also look back and remember so many amazing moments and it was a phenomenal opportunity.

"Everyone has given everything for that one moment and it has such a unique power.

"To know that someone could turn on the TV and just start watching and supporting rugby sevens, it brings everyone closer, and I can't wait to be a part of that."

Rugby sevens will see just it's third Olympic outing at Paris after making its debut at Rio 2016.

Team GB have been part of all three showings, with the women's team set to begin their campaign in Paris on 28 July.

The pools are yet to be determined, with preliminaries to be played over the first two days before the competition heats up to a golden battle on the 30 July.

"We obviously compete on the World Series so for the last couple of months, having our focus switch the two Olympics has been really exciting," added Wilson-Hardy.

"I fell into the game in about 2012 and realised that it could be the game I excel in.

"I was lucky enough to bounce between 15s and sevens for a while but this is really part of me now."

Team GB also finished in fourth place at Tokyo 2020, losing out 21-12 to Fiji in the bronze medal match and will look to remedy their performance at Paris.

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