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Rugby Sevens teen Sariah Paki on right road to Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Teenager Sariah Paki is on the road to the Tokyo Olympics - by any means she can, including public transport.

Sariah Paki is hoping to make her first Olympic Games while still in her teens.
Sariah Paki is hoping to make her first Olympic Games while still in her teens.

It’s the first thing most teenagers do when they hit the right age - take lessons, sit an exam and go get their drivers licence.

And it’s on Sariah Paki’s priority list - as soon as she gets a minute to spare.

The young Rugby Sevens player from Dee Why is currently in New Zealand preparing for the Hamilton round of the World Series this weekend.

Sariah Paki tackled by Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe of Ireland during last year’s World Cup series event in Japan.
Sariah Paki tackled by Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe of Ireland during last year’s World Cup series event in Japan.

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The event is a major lead-in to one of the biggest tournaments of the year for Australian players - the Sydney Sevens from February 1-2.

“I’m going to try and do it as soon as I can,” Paki said

“Right now I get two buses to training from Dee Why to Moore Park which takes about an hour and a half.

“It would be nice to be able to drive.

“I’ve just been too busy to do it and I’ve been happy enough on the bus. I usually use the time to review our game and training.”

The former Manly Warringah touch footballer made her debut on the World Series when just 17 - becoming the youngest player ever to do so for Australia - switching codes because she wanted to play a game with more contact.

Sariah Paki is currently in New Zealand competing for Australia.
Sariah Paki is currently in New Zealand competing for Australia.

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Now she’s aiming to make enough of an impression on selectors to be playing at her first Olympics in Tokyo in September.

“Tokyo is the goal, it’s on my to-do list,” she said.

“Making every tournament in the lead-up is important.

“It would be awesome to play in Sydney Sevens as well. It’s one of our favourite tournaments with family and friends able to come.’’

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/rugby-sevens-teen-sariah-paki-on-right-road-to-tokyo-2020-olympics/news-story/da290365cb2bca02e8015d4ea66c9a4b