Grace Crompton, a young athlete at the age of 22, is poised to create history as the youngest member of Team GB’s women’s rugby sevens squad at the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Although she had initially set her sights on a career in athletics, Crompton’s path to the Olympics took an unexpected turn.
Despite her aspirations in track and field, she encountered difficulties with the individual pressures of the sport. “My athletics skills, particularly in speed, are quite applicable,” she acknowledged, “However, upon reaching the national level, I found the solitary nature of the sport to be quite challenging.” It was during this trying period that Crompton discovered her passion for rugby sevens.
Despite her rapid ascent in the sport, Crompton continues to grapple with imposter syndrome. “The imposter syndrome is substantial, and in retrospect, it’s quite amusing as I was completely clueless. Hopefully, I have learned a great deal since then,” she modestly admitted. However, this has not hindered her from embracing the opportunities presented by rugby. “I recognized that rugby was an opportunity for me, and here I am,” Crompton recounted.
The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games will only be the third occasion on which rugby sevens has featured in the Olympics, and Crompton is resolute in her determination to leave her mark. After narrowly missing out on a medal at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, she remains steadfast in her commitment to assisting Team GB in claiming the elusive Olympic silverware. “For me, Paris is about striking a balance between acknowledging that this is my inaugural major event and fulfilling my responsibilities,” she articulated. “I am not solely looking to partake in my first Games; I also aim to secure a medal in my first Games, for the benefit of the women who came before me and did not achieve this.”
As preparations for Paris 2024 progress, Crompton’s focus remains steadfast on giving her utmost effort alongside her teammates. While the tournament pools have yet to be determined, the anticipation for the games is palpable, and the women’s sevens squad is prepared to deliver a strong performance.
It remains to be seen whether Team GB’s women’s sevens team can secure an Olympic medal in Paris. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that Grace Crompton’s tenacity and unwavering determination make her a formidable presence on the field. The stage is set, and all eyes are on Crompton and her teammates as they prepare for the momentous event in Paris.