Henry Paterson, a former Clovelly Crocodiles junior and current Australian rugby sevens speedster, is gearing up for his Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games.
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Early career and transition to Sevens
Born into a rugby league family, Paterson initially followed in his father Trevor’s footsteps, who played 69 games for the Sydney Roosters between 1986 and 1991. Despite trialling with the Roosters as a teenager, Henry’s path took an unexpected turn when he was cut from the squad at 18.
Undeterred, Paterson made the switch to rugby union, joining Eastern Suburbs and competing in the Shute Shield. His career gained momentum after connecting with trainer Justin Lang, son of former NRL coach John Lang.
Henry Paterson breaks through
Paterson’s breakthrough came during the 2021–22 World Rugby Sevens Series. His outstanding performances, including a hat-trick in the London Sevens Cup final, helped Australia secure its first series victory since 1999–2000.
His stellar form continued into 2023, earning him a spot on the World Series Dream Team and the prestigious Shawn MacKay Medal for sevens player of the year.
Paterson’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He was initially selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but had to withdraw due to injury just before the Games.
This season, he only took part in the 2023–24 SVNS starting in Vancouver. He missed the first three tournament legs, including the home leg in Perth.
Reflecting on this setback, Patto says, “These experiences, I like to think you come back better and stronger from them.”
“In a way leading into Paris, I could be sitting here in July with a gold medal saying ‘thank god I had those tournaments out’ because it allowed me the right mindset to grow and have a successful season.”
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Now, Patto is focused on Paris 2024. Australia men’s rugby sevens team will compete in a group with Samoa, Kenya, and Argentina on July 24 and 25.
Published 20-July-2024
