Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea admits the gravity of an Olympic call-up is still sinking in after being confirmed as the 13th and final member of the women's squad for Tokyo.
The announcement came following a change in IOC policy in early July surrounding squad regulations, which allows the 13th player to be available for selection across the tournament.
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Lefau-Fakaosilea will still in shock as she spoke to Rugby.com.au, still processing what had happened after receiving the news for coach John Manenti yesterday.
“My reaction wasn’t the greatest because I was in shock,” she told Rugby.com.au “It hasn’t hit me yet but once I’m on that plane to Tokyo it will.
“I woke this morning with my phone blowing up and I got my ticket and kimono and that kind of hit me then but it’s hasn’t sunk in yet until I’m that plane.
“Once I found out, I came straight downstairs and all the girls were in the physio and they surprised, it was crazy.
“It’s been a dream of mine so when I got named, it was the shock of it. I have no words to explain what I’m feeling right now.”
Her first reaction was to call her family, particularly her parents, who have been through it all.
Originally born in New Zealand, Lefau-Fakaosilea made the move to Australia and instantly burst onto the scene, selected for the Wallaroos as a teenager
With her Olympic dream now a reality, she admits the call was an emotional one as she get behind 'ALF' and Australia.
“They’re definitely on board with Australia,” she said with a smile.
“I called my uncles first, I was on a group chat with my family and their reaction nearly made me cry. I then called my nanna and she cried her eyes out. It was really good to hear from them.
“There my ‘why’ so this is all for them. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t from my family, especially my mum and dad so I’m grateful for this opportunity and making them proud."
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She joins an Australian side full of experience, with the likes of Sharni Williams, Shannon Parry and Charlotte Caslick amongst five players returning for their second Games.
For them, the message was simple for the young gun as she prepares to board the plane to Tokyo.
“They want me to just do me and give it all I’ve got,” she added.
“They’ve just said to embrace the moment and environment when you go there."
