There have been heartbreaking scenes for Australia’s rugby sevens women, with the team losing back-to-back matches to be denied a medal in Paris.
After blowing a 12-point lead in a shock Olympic Games 21-12 semi-final loss to Canada, they had to regroup for their bronze medal match against the US.
That ended up being a nailbiter and came to a crushing finish.
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US star Alex Sedrick sealed an amazing win for her team at the death when she brushed a tackle and the length of the field to score a try.
The US won the match — and the medal — 14-12.
It’s a second straight Olympics without a medal for the Rio champions, who had won the world series less than two months ago and romped into the final four at Stade de France.
But it was a tearful Tuesday in stifling heat in Paris, the side left slumped after they appeared to have done enough to at least snatch bronze for their efforts.
Maddison Levi’s second try, extending her Olympic record to 14 for the tournament, gave Australia a 12-7 lead inside the final minute.
They looked set to defend the lead before Sedrick brushed out of a tackle and sprinted away, before converting her try to spark wild scenes.
Earlier, Australia had butchered a try when Bella Nasser’s pass to Sariah Paki went astray, their usually potent offence evaporating in the afternoon heat.
After the loss, captain Charlotte Caslick was shattered.
“Obviously it wasn’t our day, we didn’t control possession like we probably know that we can,” she said.
“But I’m really proud of the girls. They played their hearts out, and that’s all that we can ask for.
“A lot of these girls will go on to the next Olympics and the home Olympics in Brisbane 2032.
“The sport’s in very good hands. They’re brave and they leave their hearts out on the field. So I couldn’t be any prouder.”
Australia’s coach Tim Walsh said it came down to “small margins”.
“Against some really good opposition, we played some good footy but didn’t execute when we could have or should have,” he said.
“They’re devastated. they’ve put a lot into it, everyone has. We came into this tournament to walk away without regret and every single one has done that.
“They’re going to be disappointed, but I’m proud of them.”
Meanwhile in the gold medal match, New Zealand proved too good for Canada, winning the final 19-12 to become the Olympic champions.
After the match there were thrilling scenes when fans in the stadium were treated to a celebratory haka.
– With AAP