Olympian Britt Benn was back in Napanee for the holidays to visit with friends and family while finding some time to give back to the community.
The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist rugby sevens star was the guest of honour at the Napanee Lion’s Hall on Dec. 19, speaking with members from across the district. Greater Napanee mayor Marg Isbester was also on hand to present Benn with a certificate of merit on behalf of the town.
Greater Napanee mayor Marg Isbester presents Britt Benn with a certificate of merit on behalf of the town. Photo by Ange Benn.
“I always love coming home,” said Benn. “It’s been a tough couple of weeks with the back-to-back (Rugby World Series) tournaments in Dubai and South Africa. That’s the first time we’ve done back-to-back since 2015. Definitely more challenging for the body to recover. But I’m super pumped to be home with the family.”
Because Team Canada’s rugby program is based in BC, it’s rare that Benn has enough time off to make a visit to Napanee.
“I’m super proud of the finishes in Dubai and South Africa, silver in Dubai, bronze in Cape Town, which leaves us fourth ranked in the world right now,” said Benn. “The better we do in the world standings, the better pool we’ll get in the olympics so it’s better for us to perform while we can.”
Last summer Canada’s rugby sevens team qualified for the 2020 Olympics, which will run July 24-Aug. 9 in Tokyo, Japan.
Benn says though there’s a little less pressure on them knowing they’re already qualified, there’s still plenty left to play for as they gear up for the Olympic games.
“I’m hoping with having an Olympic games under my belt the familiarity will be beneficial to myself and my team and the girls who have never been to an Olympics,” said Benn. “I’m hoping that’s when the leaders and the girls who have been to an Olympics can offer guidance.”
Benn ended 2019 on a high note, earning back-to-back tournament Dream Team selections after missing the first series due to a knee injury.
“Coming off injury is never easy, especially being away from the team,” said Benn. “Seeing them perform in Denver and not being able to be there was tough. Going into Dubai and Cape Town I was just focused on playing our game as a collective unit. As a result we finished on the podium and I’m super proud of the girls for that. I think it’s important coming back from injury you play like it never happened and that’s exactly what I did. Making a Dream Team is a great accomplishment but obviously I wouldn’t be able to do it without the girls or the team.”
Following Canada’s bronze finish in South Africa on Dec. 15, Benn had 58-hours of travel ahead of her before arriving in Napanee.
“I think it’s important to give back to the community, especially this community,” said Benn on speaking to the Lions. “(The Napanee community) has done a lot for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family, my friends, mom and dad, my aunt and especially Napanee. There were times when it was a pay-to-play model and that was my pathway to where I am now. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.”
She also made time to visit NDSS, the school where she first learned the sport of rugby.
Though focused on 2020 right now and not looking too far ahead of the next HSBC World Series event, which is Jan. 25 in New Zealand, the 30-year-old the Olympics will likely be her swan song.
“I feel ready for the next chapter of my life,” she said of finishing her rugby career.
“(Playing in the Olympics in) 2024 is highly unlikely but crazier things have happened,” she added. “In 2016 I thought for sure I was done and I stuck around for another four years but I think at this point I’m ready for something else and to be home with my family.”