At just 23 years old, Faith Nathan is set to take centre stage as one of Australia’s top Rugby Sevens athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her rapid ascent in the sport is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
Read: Manly Rising Stars Bronte Halligan, Sienna Hearn, and Tilly Kearns Head to Paris Olympics
Born in Manly and raised in Berkeley Vale, Nathan’s athletic journey began with touch football. Her natural abilities quickly shone through, earning her the NSW Touch Association Junior Female Player of the Year award for the 2017-18 season while playing for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Nathan’s prowess on the field caught the attention of the Parramatta Eels, where she continued to hone her skills in 2019.
Rugby excellence runs in the family, with Nathan’s uncle Drew having represented the Cook Islands at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Following in his footsteps, Faith made her debut for Australia in Rugby Sevens at the 2019 Dubai Sevens. Her impact was immediate, scoring three tries in the tournament as Australia reached the semi-finals undefeated.
The global pandemic may have delayed Nathan’s Olympic dreams, but it couldn’t dampen her spirit. When the Tokyo Games finally arrived in 2021, she seized the opportunity with both hands. Nathan’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring four tries in her Olympic debut as Australia secured a respectable fifth-place finish.
Since then, Nathan has cemented her place as a key player in the Australian women’s sevens setup. Under the guidance of coach Tim Walsh, her game has continued to evolve. Her recent performances at the Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments in early 2024 earned her back-to-back selections for the tournament dream team, showcasing her world-class abilities.
Read: Manly Athlete Izac Carracher to Compete in Paris Olympics
As Paris 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on this young talent from Manly. With her explosive speed, scoring prowess, and growing experience on the international stage, Faith Nathan is poised to be a driving force in Australia’s quest for Olympic glory in Rugby Sevens.
Published 17-July-2024
