Ratette Crystal Maguire inspired to chase her Olympic rugby dream

WHEN Chloe Dalton and Ellia Green won Olympic gold medals for rugby sevens, it made Crystal Maguire determined to follow in their footsteps.

Crystal Maguire training at the Sydney Academy of Sport. Picture: Virginia Young.

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WHEN Warringah Ratettes Chloe Dalton and Ellia Green won their Olympic gold medals as members of Australia’s triumphant rugby sevens team, it just made Crystal Maguire more determined to follow their footsteps.

“If you have a goal, don’t give up, keep going,” the 20-year-old personal trainer from Cromer said.

“Chloe is such a role model and hopefully one day I’ll be able to achieve my goals and become an Australian women’s sevens player.”.

Crystal Maguire hopes to make the Australian sevens squad. Picture: Virginia Young.

Maguire’s dream came closer to reality this week as one of the young hopefuls invited to trial for spots in the Australian rugby sevens squad at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen this week.

“It was such a surprise, it was unexpected, but it’s been awesome,” the Ratettes’ back said. “It has really opened my eyes to see what it means to be a professional athlete.”

Maguire was a representative touch football player who took up rugby two years ago with the Ratettes.

“I just had a passion for rugby,” she said.

Crystal Maguire has worked hard on her fitness.

Maguire has been guided in her quest by Australia’s leading rugby analyst and Fox Sports commentator Rod Kafer who runs his Sportstek training program based at the Sydney Academy of Sport.

“He been the best mentor, he has trained me five days a week and taught me little things that mean a lot,” she said.

When she started she could not do a chin up but now she can do sets with 12kg weights around her waist.

Kafer has witnessed Maguire’s amazing development as a rugby player first hand.

“Every aspect of her game has improved through a combination of her dedication and hard work,” he said.