If you had told Zoe Arancini before the Paris Olympic Games that she would captain her country to an Olympic silver medal, she, like many, wouldn’t have believed it. Fast forward two months, and Australia did win silver at the Olympics — and the Australian skipper still doesn’t believe it!
“I still can’t believe I have it,” Arancini confessed to the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS). “There’s still a sense of disbelief when I open the box and think, ‘we’ve got one.’ Being able to show it to people is quite special. I remember the first Olympic medal I saw — a bronze from the 2008 Aussie Stingers team. But to have your own and know what it took to get it, that’s an incredible feeling.”
Since returning from Paris, Arancini’s silver medal has captured the interest of hundreds of admirers. Designed by the renowned French jewellery house Chaumet, the medal is a stunning work of art. Crafted with 92.5 percent purity, it also contains 18 grams of iron from the iconic Eiffel Tower. The front of the medal boasts a sunburst design, symbolising both French pride in hosting the Olympics and the brilliance of sporting achievement. The reverse side features the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, standing proudly alongside the Pantheon and the Eiffel Tower, added especially for the Paris Games.
Yet for Arancini, the medal is far more than just a piece of jewellery. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Aussie Stingers’ extraordinary journey in Paris, which saw them remain undefeated until the gold medal match against Spain. The Aussie Stingers also overcame immense pressure, prevailing in three penalty shootouts, including a remarkable victory against reigning Olympic and world champions, the USA.
“It represents so many things, particularly the hard work and dedication of not just the athletes but also everyone who’s supported us,” Arancini explained. “It’s also a testament to the effort of the sporting institutes, the support staff, and the administration behind us. And, of course, it’s for every single supporter back home.”
Arancini acknowledged that winning the silver medal was a result of countless hours of training, mental preparation, and attention to the fine details — the “one-percenters” — that make all the difference. One area the team worked especially hard on in the lead-up to the Olympics was their focus and mentality, with coach Bec Rippon — the first female coach to ever win an Olympic medal — leading the charge.
“Something we really concentrated on in the last six months was the ‘culture piece,’” Arancini said. “Our coach, Bec Rippon, who’s the former NSWIS Head Coach, emphasised the importance of focusing on the moment. That had been a weakness for us in the past, where we’d get ahead of ourselves. We worked on that mindset, and it really came through during the Games.”
Despite having only eight months to prepare the team before the Paris Olympics, Rippon’s calm and collected approach had a profound impact on the younger Australian squad. Arancini, who boasts 319 international caps, praised Rippon’s leadership and credited her ability to bring out the best in the team.
“Bec’s approach was brilliant, especially given we had a younger group than in previous cycles,” Arancini reflected. “Having experienced different coaches at this level, I think Bec realised that she played her best when she stayed calm and relaxed. That’s the approach she’s taken into coaching, and it had a calming influence on the girls.”
Arancini also spoke about her role as captain, highlighting the importance of authenticity and delegation in leadership. “It’s easy to think you have to be something you’re not when you’re in a leadership role, but being authentic is crucial,” she said. “I lead by example, but there are things I delegate to others. I’m fortunate to have Bronte Halligan and Gabby Palm in the leadership group — they’re always ready to step up. Having the respect and support of your teammates makes a big difference.”
While the three penalty shootouts remain the most talked-about moments of Australia’s Olympic campaign, Arancini identified the opening match against China as her biggest challenge. Nerves were high, and for many of the younger players, it was their first experience playing in front of a live audience, a stark contrast to the crowdless Tokyo Games due to COVID restrictions.
“That first game against China was the hardest,” Arancini revealed. “The nerves were intense because it was the first game of the Olympics. We’ve had tight matches against China in the past, and we had a very young team coming through. Keesja Gofers and I were the only ones with experience of playing in front of a crowd, so it was a big adjustment for the others. But once we got through it, we knew what to expect, and we just needed to focus.”
As Arancini continues to reflect on her silver medal, she remains grateful for the support she’s received from her teammates, coaches, and the wider sporting community. While the silver medal itself is a beautiful reminder of her achievements, for Zoe Arancini, it represents much more — the journey, the dedication, and the countless people who helped make it possible.
The quotes in this interview are attributed to NSWIS and Daniel Lane.