Aussies no match for Kiwis in sevens world title final
The Australians were outplayed 31-7 by the Kiwis, who also won the regular season title after taking out the last three rounds to relegate the green and gold to runner-up.
It was sweet revenge for New Zealand, who were eliminated by Australia in the semi-finals of last year's world championship in Madrid.
Black Ferns dominance 🖤New Zealand are #HSBCSVNS World Champions in LA🏆#HSBCSVNSLAX pic.twitter.com/aW1n34NUNY
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) May 5, 2025
The Olympic champions got off to a flying start with Jorja Miller opening the scoring in the first minute when she out-paced Teagan Levi to touch down.
The New Zealanders then showed their strength in defence to stonewall the Aussie attack before turning over the ball, with Michaela Brake giving her side a 12-0 lead at halftime.
Exciting youngster Mackenzie Davis, who was also a standout in defence, gave the Australians a sniff by scoring a try early in the second half.
But the remainder of the match was one-way traffic as Australia struggled to get their superstar Maddison Levi, the season's top tryscorer, into the game.
Risi Pouri-Lane hit straight back to push the margin out to 10 points before Mahina Paul put the result out of reach, scoring for a 24-7 lead.
Sarah Hirini then ran on to a Miller off-load with the Black Ferns sevens captain punching the air in delight after she touched down at the venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"Man that feels good, I'm so happy, it's nice to be able to take that trophy back home," 32-year-old Hirini told Stan Sport.
"I don't show too much emotion but I probably showed how much it meant to this group.
"After the Olympic gold medal we wanted to show that we were a great team and to us that was winning the league and winning the series and we did it."
Earlier Australia's men lost the fifth place showdown against France 33-7.
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Yahoo
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Kaylee McKeown tops rival Regan Smith for another major title at swimming worlds
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San Francisco Chronicle
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Forbes
an hour ago
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The Women Driving A New Era In U.S. Ski & Snowboard
With a history steeped in excellence and Olympic achievement, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has long been synonymous with winter sports success. But behind the podiums and highlight reels is a powerful story of transformation, one driven by bold leadership, forward-thinking partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the athletes who risk it all on snow and ice. At the center of this evolution is a team of women, both in the boardroom and on the slopes, driving the organization forward. At the helm is Sophie Goldschmidt, the President and CEO, a veteran of global sports who is building a future-focused vision rooted in athlete support, equity, and expanded visibility. Helping bring that vision to life is Anouk Patty, Chief of Sport, who brings a rare combination of athletic and executive experience. A former U.S. Alpine Ski Team member, Patty raced for Dartmouth College, where she was a three-time All-American and won the NCAA Skiing Championship in 1988. 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'One of the things I'm most looking forward to is having my friends, family, and husband there,' she shares. 'The last Games were under strict COVID protocols, and we couldn't have anyone with us. So this time, I'm thrilled to share the experience.' More than 50 people, including her high school coach and even her grandma, who's been training just to cheer her on in person, plan to be there. While winning more medals remains a goal, Diggins sees the Games as a celebration of her long journey: 'It's a chance to share this journey with the people who've supported me the whole way.' For para snowboarder Brenna Huckaby, the 2026 Games represent both personal ambition and a larger mission. 'I'd love to medal in both of my events,' she says. 'That's the dream. But more than that, I want to give myself the best possible chance, put everything into training, preparation, and mindset. If I cross the finish line knowing I did that, I'll be proud, no matter the result.' 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She acknowledges, 'Honestly, I don't think women or really any snow sport athletes get the visibility we've earned, especially on the global stage.' Complicated broadcast rights and fragmented streaming platforms make it difficult for fans to access competitions. 'If people can't watch, it's hard to build a fan base or tell athlete stories,' she explains. Yet Shiffrin remains hopeful, noting that 'there's work being done behind the scenes with FIS and others to simplify broadcasting, but it's a multi-year process. Hopefully in the next 5 to 10 years, we'll see progress.' In the U.S., visibility has improved thanks to partnerships such as the creation of the Stifel Snow Show on NBC, which provides regular exposure for winter sports throughout the season. Shiffrin credits Stifel's support for her 'Moving Right Along' YouTube series, offering fans behind-the-scenes access to her injury and comeback, team moments, and mental health challenges. This season, she plans to expand the series with a podcast-style format to highlight other athletes' stories. 'That kind of support makes a real difference,' she says. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling beyond just race results: 'The Olympics will always draw big attention, but if people already know who we are and what we've gone through, it adds so much more meaning.' Building on this focus on storytelling, US Ski & Snowboard partnered with TOGETHXR to launch a mini-docuseries called 'The Drop In' highlighting up-and-coming women snowboard athletes. Goldschmidt explains that the collaboration offers 'behind-the-scenes access and storytelling that goes beyond competition results.' TOGETHXR helps the organization share real-time moments, amplify big results, and tell stories throughout the season. Goldschmidt adds, 'Our goal is to be a year‑round content engine, not just during winter. We want these stories to reach broader audiences via platforms that align with Team USA and the next generation of fans.' Fueling Team USA's Future Through Philanthropy US Ski & Snowboard operates without government funding, making philanthropy essential, it accounts for about one-third of the organization's revenue. Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer Trisha Worthington highlights philanthropy's critical role in fueling Team USA's athletic programs. 'Supporting the Olympic mission demands significant resources,' she explains. 'We'll spend an extra $2 million this year just to get our 10 teams to the Games, covering flights, lodging, meals, everything.' Since Sophie Goldschmidt joined as President and CEO, corporate sponsorship revenue has nearly tripled, but Worthington stresses, 'Philanthropy remains critical.' Stability comes from a deeply engaged board of trustees, long-term donor relationships, and a fundraising team with many members serving over ten years. Guided by Goldschmidt's bold vision, US Ski & Snowboard focuses on three key priorities: advancing athletic and operational excellence by professionalizing systems and resources; increasing athlete visibility to build personal brands and commercial opportunities; and ensuring financial sustainability by growing sponsorships and philanthropy for efficient reinvestment. 'Our athletes are among the best in the world—brave, innovative, and fearless,' Goldschmidt says. 'In my experience across sports like tennis, golf, and surfing, I've rarely seen athletes push limits like this.' She adds, 'Donations directly fuel Team USA. Investing in us means investing in American snow sports and the next generation of athletes.' Vision And Heart Driving U.S. Ski & Snowboard Forward Goldschmidt sets the tone as Milano Cortina 2026 fast approaches. 'Team USA will make up over 60% of the winter team, and the eyes of the world will be on us,' she says. But the focus isn't on chasing medals. 'We focus on consistent performance across World Cups and seasons. The athletes who rise to the top at the end of the season are the ones who deliver at the Olympics.' Goldschmidt highlights the unique camaraderie within snow sports. 'Team USA isn't a team people love to root against, we're often everyone's second favorite team. Athletes support each other across disciplines, and there's camaraderie at every event.' She sees the Olympics as a moment to showcase that spirit even more. Anouk Patty, echoes this mindset. 'While we're not fixating on specific medal targets daily, we're focused on culture and preparation. The Winter Olympics is in Italy, one of the most stunning places on Earth. To be there, surrounded by our athletes and staff, all aligned under one goal, is incredibly powerful. I can't wait.' For Trisha Worthington, the Games carry a personal meaning. 'Like Anouk, I'm thrilled the Games are back in Europe. But for me, it's also about the relationships. I've watched many of these athletes grow up. To see them on the Olympic stage feels like watching my own kids compete. It's emotional and deeply rewarding.'
