An Edmonton woman captained Canada’s rugby sevens team to victory during its Olympic debut in Rio — and her friends and fans gathered to watch back home.
Canada, led by Jen Kish, defeated Japan 45-0 during the first of two preliminary games the team plays at Deodoro Stadium Saturday.
A small group of supporters that included players from her local club, the Edmonton Rockers, made their way to the The Pint in Old Strathcona at 9:30 a.m., just before kickoff.
Lucie Dubien was there with her daughter, Savannah, 18, who also holds a spot on Team Canada, but for players under 20.
“If you just watch the game, she jackled probably like 10 balls. She’s so fast off her feet,” said Savannah Dubien, who admired Kish’s play during the two seven-minute halves.
Less than 30 seconds into the game, Kish’s teammate Ghislaine Landry scored a try and a conversion to give Canada a 7-0 lead off the top.
“It was great. I don’t think they were expecting that whatsoever,” Dubien said. The team cruised on to win its first game of the Olympics.
Channeling her “inner Kish”
Dubien said she hopes she can channel her “inner Kish” when she heads to England next week for some international competition of her own.
Rugby Canada team captain Jen Kish. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)
Lucie Dubien said she’s glad her daughter has such an inspiring role model.
“You have someone to look up to, to try to be as strong as her,” she said. “You’ve got to use all the energy you have.”
Rugby returned to the Olympics after a 92-year hiatus this year. Back in 1924, only men were competing, and on larger 15-player teams.
With seven players, the game is still about strategy, but with a focus on speed and agility.
“She puts so much effort into everything and it’s just a great thing,” Savannah Dubien said.
The team plays Brazil at 2:30 p.m. today.