Australian Rugby Sevens speedster Jakiya Whitfield living up to Winx nickname

She’s only 18 but Sydney Rugby Sevens gun Jakiya Whitfield already owns one very cool nickname along - with an Australian uniform.

Young Australian sevens player Jakiya Whitfield is has made her debut at just 18.

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It’s one of the coolest names in sport and it’s owner loves it.

Young Rugby Sevens star Jakiya Whitfield was given the nickname Winx by teammates at Sydney Uni and is having plenty of fun living up to the moniker.

The teenage speedster is “having a ball” in the wake of making an impressive debut with the Australian sevens in the South African round of the World Series in December, putting her unexpectedly in the mix for the Tokyo Olympics.

Young Australian sevens player Jakiya Whitfield scoring during her debut World Series event.

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“It is so much fun. So exciting,” said the 18-year-old who is based at Newport with plans to relocate to the eastern suburbs to be closer to her Moore Park training ground.

Whitfield scored four tries during her first tournament in the green and gold, with the Australia team leaving Cape Town with a silver medal.

“It was quite surreal but so exciting and such a great venue to debut. I can’t believe I scored four times,” said Whitfield, who originally hailed from Bathurst where she competed her HSC this year.

“I debuted against England but didn’t score in that match. My first try was against Ireland.”

Whitfield was talent identified into the Western Region Academy of sport three years ago and has been on the rise ever since.

She played for Sydney University in the 2019 Aon Uni 7s series before being selected to make her World Series debut in South Africa.

Young Australian sevens player Jakiya Whitfield.

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“I did everything growing up, some athletics, cross country team sports. I don’t know why I chose Rugby Sevens,

“I just started to really enjoy it and I love the challenge.”

Whitfield is now hoping she is selected for the next big outing for the Australian women’s sevens side - the Sydney Sevens at Bankwest Stadium from February 1-2.

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Originally published as Australian Rugby Sevens speedster Jakiya Whitfield living up to Winx nickname