It’s been five months since Alicia Quirk was part of Women’s Rugby Sevens team to claim gold at the Rio Games.
After sharing her story in our first edition, we wanted to catch up with Alicia to see what she’s been up to since Rio and check if the reality met with her expectations of becoming an Olympian.
How does it feel to be an Olympic gold medallist?
I can't really describe the feeling. Even now, I don't think it has really sunk in. It has been a whirlwind journey since winning and I am really enjoying everything that has come my, and my team’s, way since.
How did the reality match up to the dream?
Winning gold and being part of the Olympic experience was better than I had ever imagined. It was one of the biggest and most enjoyable moments of my life. It’s hard not to talk about it without reliving all the great aspects of it.
Can you share your highlights from Rio?
My highlight would have to be having my family, boyfriend and four best friends from primary school there watching, and after the game jumping into the crowd and hugging and crying with them. I choke up every time I even think about how special that was. I owe them all everything for being there for me.
How was it to be welcomed home to Wagga after the Games?
If the above was the pinnacle of Rio, the welcome home was definitely the pinnacle of post Rio.
Walking down the halls of the council chambers to friends, family, Wagga community members and people I had never met before was very overwhelming. I had the best time sharing my stories with the community that has supported me throughout my career.
It was great to see the look on people's faces seeing an Olympic gold medal for the first time. I will never get tired of sharing that moment with people.
You graduated in December as a physiotherapist. How does it feel to finally have your degree?
It is a very big relief to be honest. I had to make a decision back in 2013 to fully commit to the ARU program and put my university studies on hold. It was a small sacrifice for the reward of the gold medal but I always wanted to finish it because it is also something else I am very passionate about.
It wasn't easy getting it finished but I'm so glad I was able to complete it and I'm looking forward to seeing where I can implement it this year.
Where do you put ‘Olympic Gold Medallist’ on your CV?
I don't have a CV as yet but when I get around to making one I'll be sure to put it on the top!
Are you back into training now?
Yes fully back into training – we started back on January 2. I had two weeks off over Christmas and three weeks off after Rio. It was really lovely to get back home to Wagga at Christmas and see family and friends, and enjoy a bit of downtime after such a big year.
Can you tell us about the Australian World Series leg coming up (February 3-4) in Sydney?
The Sydney Sevens will be our first World Series leg in Australia so it’s something we are all really looking forward too. There are not many better experiences than playing for your country on home soil.
After a slower start to the World Series in Dubai in December losing to New Zealand in the final, we are really keen for a positive turnaround in Sydney and to put on a spectacle of Sevens Rugby for the Australian fans. All the games will be live on Fox if people are unable to make the matches in Sydney.
What else is on the cards for you this year?
This year I’m looking to improving on my performances on the field and as a team secure Australia's first ever back-to-back World Series titles. We want to be known as Australia's best female sports team and keep creating a lasting legacy for our sport.
I am also looking at doing as much up-skilling in physiotherapy as possible and enjoying a bit more time with family and friends. I want to get home as much as I can to enjoy things that I missed out on last year.
I am also undertaking some ambassador roles with Asics and People + Culture Strategies law firm, which is really exciting for my own personal brand too.