Three separate arm breaks could not stop Chloe Dalton from winning Rugby Sevens Olympic gold

FROM backyard brawls with her brothers to the world stage in Rio, Chloe Dalton overcame three separate arm breaks on her way to Olympic Rugby Sevens gold.

Chloe Dalton was one of the Aussie’s leading lights on their way to Rugby Sevens glory in Rio. Picture: AFP

THERE’S a small backyard in Mona Vale where blood, sweat and tears are sewn into the grass.

It’s there, just over two years ago, that Rugby Sevens gold medallist Chloe Dalton first learned to become an Olympic champion.

“I grew up watching my two brothers play down at Warringah rugby club,’’ Dalton told News Corp.

“That’s probably one of the big reasons why I began wanting to play rugby because I watched them and I absolutely loved it.

That feeling when you realise you’ve just won Olympic gold. Picture: Getty Images

“They took me out into the backyard and taught me how to tackle.

“I got a pretty sore neck after the first couple of tackles, but I learnt my lesson after that.’’

Dalton’s story, like the history-making victory of Australian women’s Seven team over archrivals New Zealand, is remarkable.

There are enough chapters to fill a book.

There’s the backyard bash-up sessions with her two brothers, Michael and Bailey. And her first game of rugby, for the Warringah Rats, just 18-months ago in front of less than 200 people at Campbelltown.

“I didn’t know how to tackle. I put my head on the wrong side and came away with a black eye,’’ Dalton said.

Chloe Dalton celebrates gold with teammate Ellia Green. Picture: Getty Images

A seriously talented basketballer, Dalton was contracted to WNBL side, the Sydney Flames. It appeared to be the easiest route towards her dream of competing at an Olympics.

“But I lost the passion and felt like I needed a change,’’ Dalton said.

“A few friends had talked about rugby sevens, but I never thought it would be an option.

“I think about the athletes that I idolised especially at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, that’s when I decided to become an Olympian I just had no idea what sport it would be.

“But to actually become an Olympic gold medallist ... how did that happen to me? It seems so crazy.’’

And of course, there’s the nickname’s, ‘Ironbar’ or ‘Mal’ as in Meninga, perfectly-apt given the 23-year-old overcame three broken arms to arrive in Rio.

“That was a tough patch, particularly breaking the same arm both three times, that was really tough,’’ Dalton said.

“I’ve had my big phone book (strapping) wrapped around my arm and I haven’t had any issues since.

“It’s really nice having gone through that much, it taught me a lot.’’

Chloe Dalton’s dad Brad and mum Penny seal her gold medal with a kiss in Rio. Picture: Adam Head

This morning, Dalton wakes up as an Olympic champion, a role-model and inspiration.

It was never her plan or intention to become the latter, but one she welcomes.

“I really do hope that young girls watching and the next generation can grow up and say they want to be the next female rugby player for Australia,’’ Dalton said.

“Then they might have mothers or sisters, or female influences in their life that inspire them to play rugby as well.’’

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Originally published as Three separate arm breaks could not stop Chloe Dalton from winning Rugby Sevens Olympic gold