‘It’s possible’: P.E.I. Olympian inspiring new generation of rugby players

They watched Alysha Corrigan’s every move, hung on her every word and, of course, took photos with her and her shiny new silver medal.

But for a couple dozen young women at a rugby clinic at UPEI on Sunday, just being in the presence of an Olympian was exciting enough.

“I thought it was an amazing opportunity for any girl my age,” said Hannah Skrynsky, a Grade 11 student at Montague Regional High School.

“There was an Olympic medallist coming. I wasn’t going to pass that up for anything.”

Not just any Olympian — an Olympian from P.E.I.

The Charlottetown native, an all-star at UPEI and Acadia as a university athlete, was an integral part of the Canadian women’s rugby sevens team that won the silver medal in Paris on July 30. Though they lost to New Zealand in the final, Corrigan scored a try near the end of the first half to give Canada a lead.

It was an inspirational moment for Skrynsky.

“I was actually on break at work and I was sitting in the dining room and boom, it happened. I kind of jumped up. I actually did spill my pop in the dining room, but I was cheering her on with my co-workers.”

It makes me feel very proud to be from where I’m from.— Hannah Skrynsky

Almost two weeks later, as Paris was preparing for the closing ceremonies, Corrigan was back home giving pointers to a group of girls on a hot summer day.

Skrynsky got to hold the silver medal.

“I think seeing people from where I’m from excel in life really inspires me to feel like I can go places. It makes me feel very proud to be from where I’m from.”

Corrigan said the clinic was a chance to give back to the community that has supported her throughout her Olympic journey.

“The growth on P.E.I. with rugby has been incredible and just being able to see the next generation and help them out a little bit and learn and see what they have to offer has been awesome.”

It’s just in people from P.E.I., we have that bit of grit in us.— Alysha Corrigan

Corrigan said she was inspired by Heather Moyse of Summerside, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in bobsledding who is also an accomplished rugby player. Now she’s hoping to inspire a new generation of athletes.

“You come from a small province, opportunities don’t always come the easiest to us. You know, you have to put your head down, you have to work hard for them.

“So I think it’s just in people from P.E.I., we have that bit of grit in us, which is something that I’ve carried throughout my whole career.”

Alysha MacLeod graduated from Charlottetown Rural High School and will play rugby at the University of King’s College in Halifax. After that, who knows?

“Honestly, I hope I make it to the Olympics one day. It’s possible, just as everyone sees, especially looking at Alysha Corrigan.”