Competitive and driven, rugby sevens star Charlotte Caslick was destined for success

STAMPED as rugby sevens’ golden girl, Charlotte Caslick has always been a step ahead — right back to the sporting fields of Brisbane State High School.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — AUGUST 06: Charlotte Caslick of Australia runs with the ball to score a try under pressure of Luisa Tisolo of Fiji during a Women's Pool A rugby match between Australia and Fiji on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

CHARLOTTE Caslick has stamped herself as the golden girl of Australian rugby sevens.

The Brisbane State High School graduate was named Player of the Tournament for Australia after leading the Pearls to the sport’s inaugural Olympic gold medal early on Tuesday morning (AEST).

Australia beat New Zealand 24-17 to claim gold, with Caslick a star in the victory.

The 21-year-old won the award for the tournament’s best player after scoring seven tries in six games.

Caslick has shown her athleticism since primary school when she was an 800m champion and also represented her country in touch football before moving to rugby sevens.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — AUGUST 07: Charlotte Caslick of Australia passes the ball under pressure from Alev Kelter of the United States during the Women's Pool A rugby match on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium on August 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

The Corinda resident made her international debut in 2013 when she helped Australia win gold at the Youth Olympic Festival and was selected in the World Cup team.

It did not take Caslick long to establish herself as a star of the international sevens scene, making the Rugby World Series Dream Team in 2014 and 2015 when she was also nominated for the World Sevens Player of the Year award.

Sione Fukofuka, who was Caslick’s touch football coach at Brisbane State High School, said a gold medal was a deserved reward for someone who strived to be the best in her sport.

“She’s always been gifted athletically, but her intelligence was incredible as well,” he said.

“Along with all of her attributes she is just one of the most competitive and motivated athletes I have ever seen. She just had a determination to continue to improve and it has paid off, she’s an

Olympic champion.”

Fukofuka also said women’s world sevens rugby could not have a better poster girl.

“I couldn’t think of anyone who deserves it more and is more suited. Charlotte is the perfect role model for the game and she’s shown that by how she goes about her sport,” he said.

An Olympic gold medal is another feather in the cap for the youngster, who is set for a long career in the game.

Her partner, Lewis Holland, will represent Australia in the men’s rugby sevens tournament.