- Abby Andrews was very emotional after the event
- The display came as Australia celebrated its best ever Olympics
Any Australian fan seeing the stark image of water polo star Abby Andrews breaking down into uncontrollable tears on the team bus would be justified in thinking she has just suffered a devastating loss, but the opposite is true.
Andrews, 23, was a key figure in the team’s epic shootout victory over the United States, scoring three goals as his team rallied from a 5-2 deficit in the third period of play on Thursday.
Her finesse in front of goal gave the Australians a fighting chance against the mighty United States, which was seeking its fourth consecutive Olympic title.
The Stingers eventually prevailed 14-13 at La Defense Arena, sparking euphoric poolside scenes in Paris.
And the enormity of the achievement was not lost on her teammate Tilly Kearns, who posted the emotional photo of Andrews on Instagram.
The touching photo was accompanied by the following caption: “First time for Australia in 24 years… one more to go to the #OlympicGames.”
In a famous victory, Bec Rippon’s team became the first Australian women’s team to reach the final since the Sydney Games in 2000, when the sport was first introduced for women at Olympic level.
“I remember sitting in that stand in Sydney as a kid,” Rippon said after the match.
A stark image showing Stingers star Abby Andrews crying tears of joy on the team bus has left Australian sports fans feeling intensely patriotic.
The Stingers eventually prevailed 14-13 in a penalty shootout against the powerful U.S. team, allowing them to play in the gold medal match against Spain.
‘Those players (from the 2000 Games) are still there inspiring us.
“We look up to them and are inspired by them… but we try to make sure we drive it ourselves and create our own part of history and leave a legacy.”
Incredibly, people like Andrews and Kearns (the daughter of Wallabies legend Phil) were not even born when Australia last won women’s water polo gold.
Goalkeeper Gabriella Palm was also immense for the Stingers, with her decisive moment in the shootout denying American star Maddie Musselman.
Spain, who are also unbeaten in Paris, beat the Netherlands 19-18 in another penalty shoot-out match and will face the Australians in a thrilling final.
The action kicks off at 11:35pm AEST on Saturday 10th August.