The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed Nathan Lawson has been added to the men's Sevens Olympic squad.
Lawson comes into the squad as an injury replacement for Henry Paterson, who was ruled out ahead of the team flying out in the coming days.
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The Southern Districts flyer joins Georgia Wilson (hockey) and Max Purcell (tennis) as late additions to the Australian Olympic Team in Tokyo, which now stands at a total of 487 athletes.
“Congratulations to Max, Nathan and Georgia on making their Australian Olympic debuts,” Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman said.
“Injuries and withdrawals so close to a Games are unfortunate and our thoughts are with Alex, Henry and Penny. But this has now provided an opportunity for Max, Nathan and Georgia, an opportunity I am sure they will make the most of.
“These athletes have been working on their craft over a long period and I’m sure they will do their teammates, family, supporters, coaches and the Australian Olympic Team proud in Tokyo.”
It caps a remarkable rise for Lawson, who joined the squad as an added training member before impressing enough to earn a full-time contract.
The former Junior Wallaby told Rugby.com.au in May the prospect of going to Tokyo would be a dream come true.
“If you asked me a year ago that I’d be in contention for any Olympic team, I would’ve laughed at you,” he said.
“It wasn’t even on my radar a year ago. I hadn’t even thought about it and now it being a reality and being in contention, I don’t know how to describe that.
“It’s pretty surreal.”
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