Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist Emilee Cherry has made the shock decision to retire two months out from Australia’s defence of its women’s title at the Tokyo Games.

The 28-year-old mum had hoped to bow out after the Olympics but a combination of the sport’s toll on her body, the COVID-19 pandemic and motherhood has forced her to opt out.

“My body has told me it’s had enough, and the COVID situation with schedules changing so much, and juggling Alice and childcare and (partner) Dan’s schedule … we made the decision to step back and play a support role going into Tokyo,” she said in a Rugby Australia statement on Friday.

One of the linchpins in Australia’s 2016 championship at Rio, Cherry scored 131 tries in her career and retires as the seventh-highest point scorer in the sport’s history.

Cherry welcomed her first child, Alice, in 2019 before making a successful return to the international arena.

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Australian women’s coach John Manenti said it was sad to see Cherry depart and that they would miss her leadership.

“Emilee has given so much to the team, program and jersey, and it’s sad to see her go,” Manenti said.

“Em has been an integral part of the successful growth of women’s rugby within Australia.

“The timing of her departure is unfortunate as I know the whole team was excited to give her the send-off which she deserves, however, I know this won’t affect the squad heading to the Games.”

Cherry was a founding member of the full-time program in 2012, making her international debut in the World Series in Dubai before collecting 31 caps for Australia.

The 2014 World Sevens Player of the Year backed Australia’s women to succeed at Tokyo in her absence.

“The girls are bigger, faster and stronger than a year ago,” she said.

Reuters/AAP



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