College principal recalls first day she Dominique Du Toit in action

Toowoomba Olympian and rugby sevens star Dominique Du Toit is preparing for retirement after a heartbreaking loss in Paris. A junior mentor reflects on what made her so great.

Australia's Dominique Du Toit celebrates with relatives after her side’s pool B rugby sevens win against South Africa. Picture: AFP

As she hangs up her boots following Australia’s shock Paris Games bronze medal playoff loss to the United States, Dominique Du Toit will be remembered as one of Aussie rugby sevens greatest players.

With nearly 60 tries and more than 440 points across 35 major tournaments, Du Toit deserves her place among the ‘greats’.

The 27-year-old has a glittering professional resume and highlight reel but Fairholme College principal Dr Linda Evans’ lasting memory will be of a lightning quick young student.

“Our school PE teacher John Sessarago said to me ‘come down and watch this girl (Du Toit) run’,” Evans said.

“It was a touch football training session after school and I felt like I was watching Emilee Cherry.

“She was so fast, she had raw speed, it was amazing.”

Born in Zimbabwe, Du Toit’s family moved to Toowoomba and she joined Fairholme in Year 10 (2010).

During her last two years of schooling at Fairholme Du Toit made the switch from touch football to rugby sevens after adapting to the physical side of the game.

Du Toit’s decision was no doubt heavily influenced by fellow Fairholme College Old Girl and Australian rugby sevens legend Emilee Cherry.

Cherry graduated in 2010 but her influence and legacy at Fairholme College can still be felt to this day.

Dominique Du Toit and Isabella Nasser look dejected following defeat in the bronze medal play off against the United States. Picture: Getty Images

“I think she (Du Toit) was heavily influenced in a positive way byEmilee Cherry,” Evans said.

“I think she looked up to Emilee so much and that probably led her on that path (to rugby sevens) more than anything else.

“Emilee paved the way for so many athletes and Dom has done the same. Emilee was a powerful influence.

“The other influence would be John Sessarago our athletics, rugby and touch coach who passed away earlier this year.

“I know Dom and Emilee sent messages for his memorial because of his pivotal influence.”

Du Toit burst onto the rugby sevens scene in 2014.

The lightning quick winger scored eight tries, including a stunning hat-trick to help Australia win gold, at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

She was ushered into Australia’s senior rugby sevens program in 2015 and won Commonwealth Games gold as well as World Rugby Sevens Series and the Rugby Sevens World Cup titles throughout her career.

Australia's Dominique Du Toit takes on South Africa's Zintle Mpupha. Picture: AFP

Even before that break through 2014 performance Evans thought Du Toit had the potential to be a superstar.

“She was so fast, that raw speed is so rare,” Evans said.

“That raw speed with safe hands, the ability to throw and catch is a dynamite.

“You get girls that are fast but she was exceptionally fast.

“If you watched Emilee Cherry play they (Cherry and Du Toit) were very similar to watch on a rugby or touch field.

“Their speed, the way they could read the game and their skill.

“You could see she (Du Toit) was an exceptional athlete and a really strong person of character and values.”

Evans also recalls an extremely humble, passionate and committed student athlete.

A Queensland athletics champion and national touch football rep player, Du Toit was a diligent student as well.

“The thing that strikes me about Dominique is how humble she was in terms of her ability,” Evans said.

“She was incredibly positive, diligent and inclusive.”

Originally published as College principal recalls first day she Dominique Du Toit in action