Sports
Chelsea Stars Shine at the 2024 Olympics
This summer, seven Chelsea stars are gearing up to represent their countries at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. With the first group stage matches kicking off today, fans are excited to see how these talented players will fare in their quest for Olympic glory.
Among the athletes competing, head coach Sonia Bompastor and her assistant Camille Abily are notable figures. Both played in the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking France’s first appearance in women’s football. The French team finished fourth after a tough loss to Canada in the bronze medal match held in Coventry.
Four years later, Abily made her second Olympic appearance in Brazil during the 2016 Games. This was also the first time for Chelsea players Buchanan and Lawrence, who represented Canada, as well as another player from the squad who played for Australia. They faced off in group stages, where Buchanan and Lawrence’s team emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Australia.
While Buchanan and Lawrence went on to clinch a bronze medal after defeating Brazil again, the Australian team, led by Kerr, unfortunately, left the competition earlier following a penalty shootout loss in the quarter-finals.
The 2021 Tokyo Games, which faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, saw nine Chelsea players in action for various countries. Great Britain was represented by notable players including Kerr, who co-captained the team, while Buchanan and Lawrence once again showcased their skills for Canada.
The knockout rounds were packed with thrilling matchups, including a quarter-final clash where Kerr’s Matildas knocked out Great Britain, pushing Australia ahead in the tournament. However, they couldn’t reach the gold medal match and ultimately faced Canada in a bronze medal play-off, which Canada won, adding to their impressive Olympic record.
The final match saw Sweden battle it out with Canada for the gold medal. In another exciting twist, Buchanan and Lawrence played crucial roles for Canada as they claimed their first-ever gold medal in women’s football. The game’s dramatic conclusion came down to penalties after a 1-1 draw, showcasing the tight competition.
As we look ahead to the upcoming Games in Paris, the big question remains: will Canada defend their title, or will another Chelsea player make their mark and write a new chapter in Olympic history?