Analysis
Paris 2024
A nice guy with a complex legacy: Gustavsson’s Matildas roller-coaster has come to a halt
As the post-mortems come thick and fast, a holistic reflection of the Swede’s tenure in charge of the Matildas can be viewed through the prism of his own language.
- by Emma Kemp
Latest
Before the 100m final, Mollie’s hands did not tremble. Perhaps it was a sign
Mollie O’Callaghan is a swimmer possessed by intense, nervous energy. It helped her beat Ariarne Titmus. Two days later, it was gone.
- by Emma Kemp
Wembanyama is to France’s Olympics what Matildas were to Australia’s World Cup
The 20-year-old, 2.24-metre NBA rookie of the year is a blend of world-class talent, charisma and authenticity – and he has a rare cultural influence.
- by Emma Kemp
Updated
Paris 2024
The Matildas wanted a dream start to the Games. It was a 90-minute nightmare
Australia arrived in France with ambitions of a deep run into the Olympic tournament. Against Germany, it was the worst possible start.
- by Emma Kemp
‘No-brainer’ that Catley starts in Matildas’ Olympics opener against Germany
Australia’s captain has revealed that the mystery ‘lower leg injury’ that sidelined her for the warm-up loss to Canada 12 days ago was a calf niggle.
- by Emma Kemp
Can the Matildas break through for an Olympic medal? We answer the burning questions
We dive into Australia’s tough group, the players to watch and injury concerns as Tony Gustavsson’s side strives for a medal.
- by Emma Kemp
For her coach, Mary Fowler is an unsolved riddle. And she may be the Matildas’ most important player
The challenge, as is the case with many ethereal shape-shifters who require freedom to make their magic, will be how to get the best out of the 21-year-old.
- by Emma Kemp and Vince Rugari
‘I was just cooked’: The four weeks that shaped Catley’s Matildas captaincy
The team’s mature thinker and eloquent speaker will take some key lessons into Paris 2024, and is adamant that, at this point, she will play in their opening match.
- by Emma Kemp
7000 words on a five-foot, octogenarian weightlifting coach? The uber-long story you must read before the Olympics
He’s the supercoach who helped Dean Lukin win gold in 1984. And he has another unknown weightlifter ready to shock the world.
- by Emma Kemp
From TV talent shows to 10m platforms, Rousseau is going for Olympic gold (well, sort of)
How does this tattooed, mulleted, free-spirited 23-year-old afraid of heights dive with such precision he stopped China claiming a world titles clean sweep?
- by Emma Kemp
Souths. Wigan. New Zealand. NSW: Maguire ends another drought in classic Origin decider
Michael Maguire brought a new approach to NSW, and it paid off in style with a come-from-behind series victory.
- by Emma Kemp