Olympic Bronze Medalist Sammy Sullivan Balances Duty And Rugby Glory

(I interviewed Sammy Sullivan on March 18th, 2026. Her quotes are taken from the transcript of that interview. ) PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 28: Sammy Sullivan #4 of Team United States celebrates as she runs in to score her team's second try during the Women’s Pool C match between Team United States and Team Brazil on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France.

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images) Getty Images For US Army Captain and Team USA Rugby Wing Sammy Sullivan, the 2024 Olympic Games was that moment when belief, forged through military discipline and competition, collided with opportunity. Her team would come from behind in the final seconds of their match against a very good Australian team to claim the first medal ever for the US Women's Olympic Rugby. PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 31: Team United States Women's Rugby Seven's athletes pose for a photo with their bronze medals at Champions Park on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 31, 2024 in Paris, France.

(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) Getty Images To understand how Sullivan helped power Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games, you go far from the Stade de France—back to her childhood; One best defined by service, moving and adapting (and moving again). Built In Motion Sullivan’s story begins as the daughter of a U. S.

Army Special Forces soldier, Michael Sullivan—a Green Beret. Her childhood wasn’t rooted in one place but shaped by many. 397403 01: US special forces soldiers ride on horseback as they work with members of the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in this photo released November 16, 2001.