It was a dream come true for one of Western Sydney’s rising young female football stars Courtney Nevin who took in all the sights and sounds of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the Matildas in her stride.
The 19-year-old wore the Green and Gold kit with pride as she played thirty plus minutes in the Bronze medal match that unfortunately went the United States of America’s way.
“It was definitely an experience I will never forget, running out onto that pitch taking on the U.S.A. and lining up against an idol of mine, Alex Morgan is something that will live with me forever.”
Asked if the young gun was stunned to see Canada lift the Gold Medal, Nevin was a little shocked.
“I was definitely shocked to see Canada win Gold but good on them as they worked extremely hard to get it and they did have a quality squad.”
It was one of the many significant moments for the young former Blacktown Spartans star who took in each and every magical moment.
“There were so many quality moments, just being part of such an amazing squad at the Olympic Village was also something I will never forget.
“The Village itself was one of my favourite places to stay during the two months I was away from home.
“I know we only got to stay there for a week, but it was something else, being around top athletes from around the world and just spotting them all walking around was pretty cool.”
As expected, COVID restrictions and protocols were top of the list as the Matildas along with every other athlete and team followed to a tee.
“It was definitely high on everyone’s list, we’d have to do a COVID test each and every morning before breakfast, we wore makes each time we left our hotel rooms, wore gloves while serving ourselves food as well as social distancing with the 1.5 metre ruling.”
Currently in quarantine following her Matildas journey, the Olympian stated that she’s eagerly anticipating the up-and-coming W-League season with the Wanderers but has set her sights on hopefully playing abroad.
“I am firmly focused on the upcoming W-League season, and I do have dreams of playing overseas also following my commitments here.”
The former Football NSW Institute graduate did state that she’d look at playing in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition once more should a deal overseas not eventuate.
Nevin finished up with seven appearances with the Blacktown Spartans as she linked up with yet another fellow Olympian Kyra Cooney-Cross in the 2021 NPL NSW Women’s competition.
