Kinesiology Major Kayla Canett Achieves Historic Olympic Medal with Team USA Rugby
Kayla Canett, a kinesiology major at SDSU, contributed to Team USA’s Women’s Rugby Sevens history by winning the first-ever Olympic medal in women’s rugby, achieving a dramatic victory against Australia at the Paris 2024 Games. Canett’s prior experiences culminating in this achievement showcase her growth as an athlete and illustrates the sport’s increasing recognition in the U.S.
Kayla Canett, a kinesiology major at San Diego State University (SDSU), recently achieved a historic milestone with Team USA’s Women’s Rugby Sevens during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they claimed the team’s first-ever Olympic medal in women’s rugby. This notable achievement came after a thrilling match against the reigning 2016 gold medalist Australia. In a dramatic turn of events, Canett’s teammate, Alex Sedrick, scored a game-tying try by breaking through two Australian defenders in the final moments, followed by a successful conversion, leading Team USA to a 14-12 victory and securing the bronze medal. This monumental win marks the first U.S. rugby medal since the men’s team won gold in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Throughout the competition, Canett contributed significantly to her team’s efforts, scoring points during the matches against Japan (36-7 win), France (31-14 loss), and Great Britain (17-7 win in the quarterfinals). In the bronze medal match, she spent eleven minutes playing alongside her esteemed teammates, including Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, and Alena Olsen. After reflecting upon the intense game, Canett expressed, “It was one of the most intense matches of my career. To come out on top and make history for our team and for U.S. rugby is an unforgettable experience.” Canett’s journey to this point began in Fallbrook, California, where she first discovered her passion for rugby at the age of 14, after being introduced to the sport by her physical education teacher. Starting her athletic career on a mostly all-boys Pop Warner football team and subsequently playing soccer and basketball in high school, she has come a long way, accumulating numerous national and international championships along the way. She earned a place on the U.S. Women’s Sevens Rugby World Cup team and participated in the Tokyo Olympics, where her team finished sixth amidst strict pandemic protocols. The Paris Games were a different experience altogether, with an electrifying atmosphere created by the presence of 66,000 spectators, contrasting her earlier Olympic experience. Upon winning the bronze, Canett returned to SDSU, now in her fourth year and set to graduate in spring 2025, having previously attended Penn State before transferring to pursue a degree in physical therapy while training at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. Looking to the future, Canett aims to play for a professional international rugby team and aspires to compete for a third time at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This bronze medal win signifies a significant step forward not only for Canett but also for the growing prominence of rugby in the United States. As she aptly noted, “We did this for the future of U.S. rugby. I hope this is the first of many medals for the USA in rugby.”
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games saw the introduction of rugby as a major sport after a significant hiatus, with the women’s format, Rugby Sevens, gaining traction and popularity. As the sport fosters a growing competitive landscape in the United States, the U.S. Women’s Rugby Sevens team has shown remarkable improvement, culminating in their historic medal win at the Paris 2024 Games. Athletes like Kayla Canett symbolize the dedication and rising talent within American rugby, demonstrating the potential for future international success and recognition. Furthermore, Canett’s dual focus on her education in kinesiology and commitment to professional sports illustrates the balancing act many collegiate athletes undertake as they pursue their aspirations in both academics and athletics.
In conclusion, Kayla Canett’s pivotal role in Team USA’s Women’s Rugby Sevens historic victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games underscores the rising prominence of rugby in the United States. This achievement not only marks a remarkable moment in the sport’s history but also exemplifies Canett’s dedication and perseverance, from her early beginnings in Fallbrook to earning a coveted Olympic medal. As she continues to train and pursue her education, there is a hopeful outlook for the future of U.S. rugby and the potential for continued success on the world stage.
Original Source: www.sdsu.edu
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