Just months ago, Kahli Henwood found herself out of the full-time Australian squad in Japan wondering where her future lay.
Now, the Queenslander is making her debut on the biggest stage of them all after being activated in the Rugby Sevens squad at the Paris Olympics.
Henwood was selected as a travelling reserve for the Olympics despite not featuring in the World Series in 2023-24.
However, a knee injury to good friend Kaitlin Shave in the win over Great Britain paved the way for Henwood to make her Australian debut, let alone Olympic, against South Africa.
“It’s pretty special to do it Paris,” she told reporters.
“I’m going to take every opportunity I can get and give it the best I can.
“…You come here as a travelling reserve ready for anything and I guess the opportunity has come up for me now to perform and take it with two hands.”
The debut is so sudden and unexpected that Henwood’s parents remain in Australia, with the time difference making it impossible for them to make the trip in time.
“They send me messages all the time and they’ll get up for 2:30 or 3 am games and show their support," she said.
Henwood has been around the program for several years as either a full-time or training member but was unable to crack a squad that changed little heading into the 2023-24 season.
An injury left Henwood to seek further Rugby and a contract in Japan with Nagato Blue Angles alongside fellow Aussie development players Sophie Duff and Amahli Hala.
It left Henwood to appreciate her sudden rise as she looks to mark her first tournament with an Olympic gold medal.
“It’s very special. I was only a late inclusion into this campaign so to come into a group like this who set the standards that are elite and the way they hold themselves and act off the field is so professional," Henwood reflects.
“It was just really inspirational for me to be able to then mirror those standards and bring my own to the game
“That’s all that’s expected from us in this group is to bring you best and look out for your sisters.”
