Twenty-One PR7s Women Take Home Medals from Paris Olympics
(PARIS – July 30, 2024) In front of a crowd of 66,000 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the women’s rugby matches concluded in historic fashion. The U.S. women’s rugby team, featuring 12 standout players from Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), secured a historic bronze medal. This marks the first-ever Olympic medal for the U.S. in rugby sevens.
Twenty-one PR7s women earned medals in total, with five representing gold medal-winning New Zealand, four from silver medal-winning Canada, and twelve from the bronze medal-winning U.S. team.
In an electrifying match against Australia, the U.S. team triumphed with a 14-12 victory, thanks to the heroic efforts of PR7s star Alex Sedrick, who plays for the Rocky Mountain Experts. Trailing 12-7 with just 1:35 remaining, Sedrick dashed nearly the length of the field to score a match-tying try as time expired. She then nailed the crucial conversion kick, sealing the historic win.
Sedrick’s remarkable run began with a pass from fellow PR7s player and teammate on the Experts Ariana Ramsey following a restart after a tackle. Sedrick broke through multiple defenders, sprinting 95 meters to score the try. Her conversion kick from five meters straight away ended the match, clinching the bronze medal for the U.S. team.
The journey to this monumental achievement was marked by contributions from PR7s athletes. Alev Kelter, another PR7s star, scored the first try for the U.S., tying the match at 7-7 heading into halftime.
The New Zealand women defended their Olympic gold medal in rugby, defeating Canada 19-12 in a thrilling final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. PR7s athletes played pivotal roles in the Gold Medal match, with Stacey Waaka of the New York Locals sealing the victory with a crucial try in the final minutes. This victory marked New Zealand’s second consecutive Olympic gold in women’s rugby sevens.
Canada, featuring four standout PR7s players, including Caroline Crossley and Asia Hogan-Rochester, surpassed expectations to claim the silver medal, their best finish in an Olympic tournament.
Since its inception, PR7s has been committed to providing an inclusive platform where men and women athletes compete at the highest levels with equal pay. Throughout the 24 men’s and women’s Olympic teams, 43 athletes from PR7s competed in Paris. On the men’s side, PR7s stars Iowane Teba and Waisea Nacuqu, both of the SoCal Loggerheads, took home silver medals for Fiji.
Recap of PR7s 2024 Olympic medalists:
United States Women’s (BRONZE)
- Kayla Canett (Pittsburgh Steeltoes) Hometown: Fallbrook, CA
- Lauren Doyle (Rocky Mountain Experts) Hometown: Boody, IL
- Alev Kelter (Northern Loonies) Hometown: Eagle River, AK
- Kristi Kirshe (Rocky Mountain Experts) Hometown: Franklin, MA
- Sarah Levy (Northern Loonies) Hometown: San Diego , CA
- Alena Olsen (Southern Headliners) Hometown: Caledonia, MI
- Ariana Ramsey (Rocky Mountain Experts) Hometown: Bridgeport, PA
- Steph Rovetti (SoCal Loggerheads) Hometown: Reno, NV
- Alex Spiff Sedrick (Rocky Mountain Experts) Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
- Sammy Sullivan (Pittsburgh Steeltoes) Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
- Naya Tapper (Southern Headliners) Hometown: Charlotte, NC
- Kris Thomas (Texas Team) Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
New Zealand Women’s (GOLD)
- Manaia Nuku (New York Locals)
- Alena Saili (Texas Team)
- Stacey Waaka (New York Locals)
- Tysha Ikanasio (Texas Team)
- Tenika Willison (New York Locals)
Canada Women’s (SILVER)
- Caroline Crossley (Northern Loonies)
- Asia Hogan-Rochester (Pittsburgh Steeltoes)
- Carissa Norsten (Northern Loonies)
- Shalaya Valenzuala (Northern Loonies)
Fiji Men’s (SILVER)
- Iowane Teba (SoCal Loggerheads)
- Waisea Nacuqu (SoCal Loggerheads)
About Premier Rugby Sevens
Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the highest professional level of rugby sevens in the United States and a proud partner of USA Rugby, is a revolutionary circuit showcasing the most electric men’s and women’s athletes on the planet. PR7s brings the global excitement of rugby through a fast-paced, high-scoring on-field experience, complemented by engaging fan festivals throughout North America. As a traveling circuit with a focus on North America, PR7s is the fastest, toughest, and most electrifying game on the planet and the first sports organization of its kind, with men’s and women’s teams competing under one umbrella with equal pay. To learn more about Premier Rugby Sevens, visit PRSevens.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
