IT HAS been a tough road to get there but Gemma Etheridge has fought off injury to secure her place in the women’s rugby team for Rio.
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Four months ago, Etheridge ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in a training run with the Australian team.
Etheridge underwent LARS surgery, followed by rehabilitation, to put herself back in the frame for Rio.
Growing up in Coolah, Etheridge, along with twin sister Nikki started playing touch football after school.
The twins received their first taste of international-level sport when they were selected for the Australian mixed touch football side.
Their touch careers helped them get a start rugby sevens after being scouted at a tournament four years ago.
After participating in a rugby camp in Sydney, they were picked for an Australian sevens side to tour Borneo and following the tour, they became regulars in the green and gold.
The girls’ parents live in Yarrowitch via Walcha and their mother Kerrie said it was a whirlwind experience for the pair and she is excited to see Gemma run onto the field in Rio.
“She really didn’t play any rugby sevens for anybody else,” she said.
“She was just talent scouted and went straight to the Australian rugby sevens team
“She has had three knee reconstructions since she has been playing football.
“That is pretty special I think.”