1
Abi Burton makes Olympic comeback as Amy Wilson Hardy withdrawn
By Martyn Thomas
Abi Burton made her return to the Olympic Games as Great Britain lost to China, just two years after she was put into an induced coma after being diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis.
Burton, who played four matches as Great Britain finished fourth at Tokyo 2020, was hospitalised having suffered a number of seizures in the year following those Games.
The 24-year-old contracted pneumonia twice while in the coma and was unable to walk and talk when she first came out of it.
However, Burton recovered to make her Great Britain return at HSBC SVNS Perth in January and started the ninth-place semi-final against China at Stade de France on Tuesday. She wasn’t able to help her side to victory, though, as they conceded a late try to lose 19-15.
Burton had been drafted back into the squad on Tuesday after Amy Wilson Hardy was withdrawn on medical grounds.
Hardy had been an ever-present for Great Britain at Paris 2024, however, she became the subject of a British Olympic Association (BOA) investigation on Monday after an alleged racist comment made in a WhatsApp conversation was leaked online.
A BOA spokesperson said: “The British Olympic Association has confirmed that Amy Wilson Hardy has been withdrawn on medical grounds from the Paris 2024 rugby sevens placement matches and will be replaced by Tokyo 2020 Olympian Abi Burton.
“As confirmed last night, the BOA continues to investigate this matter.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to comments