Ellia Green ahead of this week's John Eales Medal. Pic: Brett Costello
UNTIL she cut a swath through the New Zealand defence to help the Australian women’s sevens side to their historic gold medal at the Rio Olympics speedster Ellia Green never got asked to be in a selfie.
Now she’s recognised at the supermarket, out having a coffee or even in the back lane of Surry Hills getting her photograph taken.
Australian rugby sevens gold medallist Ellia Green ahead of this week's John Eales Medal.Source:News Corp Australia
“It’s one of the questions I get asked the most. What’s changed since the Olympics’’ she said.
“I guess it’s this. Being recognised more. Maybe it’s my braids.”
It could also be her blinding speed, ability to score tries as a supersub in an Olympic final or willingness to put her body on the line in sevens rugby.
Australia's Ellia Green, and her braids, in full flight during the Olympics.Source:AFP
On Thursday night it will be because she and her teammates are odds on to win the rugby sevens category at the annual John Eales Awards in Sydney.
Flyer Green admits she has learned another skill since the Olympics — walking the red carpet.
She and her teammates, the most successful team in professional rugby this year, have been attending around three functions a week but the John Eales award, among the who’s who of rugby, is special.
Australia's Ellia Green lifts up a teammate as they celebrate victory in the women’s rugby sevens gold medal match against New Zealand.Source:AFP
Women will play a major role in the awards this year with a number up for top awards prior to the presentation of the John Eales award to the best Wallabies player.
The awards will also see a woman, popular TV presenter Sandra Sully, co-hosting the event for the first time.
On the mend from a shoulder reconstruction, Green is hoping to be back at full fitness in time for the much anticipated Sydney Sevens in the New Year.
For the first time the women and men will play together in the February event.
Originally published as Green turning heads off rugby pitch
