‘That fire is still burning for that medal’- Clare Polkinghorne

By Emma Burke 19/2/24

Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne has spoken to the media ahead of their final qualification games for the Paris Olympics later this year.

Polkinghorne spoke on the team’s preparation for facing Uzbekistan in Tashkent later this week, the return of some very familiar faces to the squad, and what she and the Matildas are hoping for from Paris.

“They’re going to be ready for a strong game,” said Polkinghorne about the Matildas’ next opponents.

“We’re going to prepare like we do with any game, we’ll watch some video and get the information we need from the staff.”

“It’s going to be a massive challenge, one that I know we’re ready for,” she said.

On the return of Michelle Heyman after five years away from international football after her retirement, and the call up of Chloe Logarzo who last featured in the Matildas’ squad in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which was held in 2021), Polkinghorne had only praises to sing.

“They’ll fit back in like they never left, that’s the beauty of this team, it is like a family and we have strong bonds with each other,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing them both back in the Matildas’ colours.”

If the Matildas do qualify for the Olympic games, Polkinghorne revealed that the team is after a medal, specifically the gold one.

“That fire is still burning for that medal, that gold, and I know that’s what everyone here is wanting to achieve,” said Polkinghorne.

“We’re extremely competitive, we want to be the best.”

Despite having their eyes on the prize, she stressed that there is no room for tunnel vision amongst the squad, and that being present in every moment was going to be key for the Matildas’ success.

“If you’re too focused on the outcome, you do get a little distracted and can lose your way in the process.”

“For us, we’re taking it one step at a time and in front of us are the Olympic Qualifiers.”

The Matildas face Uzbekistan in the first of two Olympic Qualifiers on Saturday 24 February at the Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, which kicks off at 8pm AEDT.