- Katrina Gorry welcomes a baby boy into the world
- Gorry’s partner, Clara Markstedt, gave birth on Sunday
- The baby’s name is a tribute to Markstedt’s late father
Australian footballer Katrina Gorry and her partner Clara Markstedt have welcomed a baby boy into the world, meaning the Matildas’ unofficial mascot Harper now has a little brother.
Markstedt gave birth to Koby Peter David Gorry on Sunday, and the couple announced the exciting news in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
The name includes a touching tribute to Markstedt’s late father, Peter Markstedt, who passed away during last year’s World Cup.
“Big sister is absolutely in love and our hearts are so full,” they wrote.
Katrina Gorry (pictured) and her partner Clara Markstedt have welcomed a baby into the world
Markstedt gave birth to Koby Peter David Gorry on Sunday and her older sister Harper (pictured left) is “in love” with her new sibling.
Gorry’s teammates, including Charli Grant, Caitlin Foord and Mackenzie Arnold, sent congratulatory messages on social media.
The West Ham midfielder is recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery in March and ended her WSL season.
But Gorry has been included in Tony Gustavsson’s squad for Paris 2024 and hopes to train with the team soon.
As worried as she has been about recovering in time, Gorry says the impact the injury is having on her life as a mother is more upsetting.
“It’s hard to get injured as an athlete, but over the past two weeks I’ve found out it’s harder to be an injured parent,” he posted on Instagram in April.
‘The disappointment in Harper’s voice when I can’t go to the playground with her or just do the simplest things like clean her up when she finishes going to the bathroom, chasing her around the house or just letting her climb on me.
‘She doesn’t understand why and her emotions have been so great because of it.
“It’s definitely taught me to be grateful for my health and to never take the little things for granted.”
Gorry’s teammates in Matildas sent congratulatory messages on social networks
The baby’s name includes a touching tribute to Markstedt’s late father, Peter Markstedt.
‘Sometimes Instagram can be just a highlight video, so today I decided to make it real and raw. For all the parents who are having a hard time or sitting with guilt, you know, these feelings are only temporary.
“A smile like this makes everything feel good.”
Gorry and Markstedt were teammates at Swedish club Vittsjo GIK, but have since moved to London after Matilda signed for English club West Ham United.
Earlier this year, Gorry and Markstedt announced their engagement, with the plan to marry on Hamilton Island in 2025.
“We’re going to try to keep it as traditional and beautiful as possible,” Gorry said.
‘Many of the Matildas have been my family for a long time and were very excited for me. “I’d love to have them there.”