Here is the article with the requested Markdown formatting:
New Zealand Rugby Sevens Stars Poised for Olympic Glory in Paris
In a remarkable comeback story, New Zealand’s Sarah Hirini is aiming to become one of the first two-time Olympic gold medalists in women’s rugby sevens. The inspirational captain suffered a devastating knee injury in December but has made an “unbelievable” recovery in time for next month’s Paris Games.
Hirini, who carried the New Zealand flag at the Tokyo Olympics before leading the nation to their first-ever rugby sevens gold, was initially ruled out for the rest of the season. However, the rugby sevens veteran is now part of a star-studded squad that includes the likes of Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka, and Michaela Blyde.
“We sat down six months ago and knew that it was achievable, but it would be tight. It’s been pretty unbelievable seeing how hard Goosy has worked to get back and we will really ramp up her involvement over the next six weeks,” said coach Cory Sweeney.
The New Zealand men’s team is also poised for a strong performance at the Paris Olympics, with Scott Curry and Regan Ware set to play in their third consecutive Games. Leroy Carter and Akuila Rokolisoa, the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominees, are among the newcomers to the squad.
“Selections are always tough; we have had to make a lot of big calls throughout the year already which created healthy competition within the squad and has made our job really hard as coaches,” explained coach Tomasi Cama.
New Zealand has won three medals across the two previous Olympic rugby sevens tournaments, including the women’s gold in Tokyo. The men’s side will be determined to improve on their quarter-final exit in Rio and the silver medal in Tokyo.
“We’re thrilled to have two really exciting and experienced rugby sevens teams named for the Paris Olympics,” said NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol. “We have a proud history in sevens at the Olympics and we look forward to watching these teams add to that legacy in just over a month’s time in Paris.”
đź”— Source
