Sammy Sullivan, an American Olympian, claims that her time in the military aided her in earning a bronze medal in rugby.

The American women's rugby team won bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making their country proud.

The bronze medal match between New Zealand and Australia in rugby sevens on July 30 left viewers stunned as New Zealand scored a game-winning conversion just before the clock ran out.

Sammy Sullivan, 26, brought an extra air of patriotism to the rugby field.

Aside from being an Olympic medalist, Sullivan is also a captain in the United States Army, earning her the nickname "Captain America" on social media.

Cpt. Sullivan shared her excitement about winning a medal at this year's games during an on-camera interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, after beginning her rugby career at West Point in 2016.

"The Army, to me, is the ultimate team."

She spent four years playing rugby there.

"Rugby was first discovered by me at that location because I had been playing soccer all my life."

Sullivan, based in Chula Vista, California, disclosed that she has always felt a calling to serve, as her father was a Special Forces Green Beret.

She was drawn to the strong bonds and connections he had with people at work, as someone who excels in team sports.

"I always knew I wanted to join the military because the Army is the ultimate team to me."

As a route clearance platoon leader at Fort Carson in Colorado, Sullivan, who was commissioned as an engineer officer from West Point, described her experience as "the most fun time of my life."

To maintain her rugby schedule, she drove to Denver three times a week while serving.

She mentioned that she had a dream of competing in the Olympics as a rugby sevens player in the background.

Emilie Bydwell, the USA Women’s 7s Head Coach, invited Sullivan to join the team. In response, Sullivan applied for the World Class Athlete program, which enables Army soldiers to compete and represent their country as Olympians.

The acceptance into the World Class Athlete program was a great honor for her, she stated.

For the past two years, the program has enabled Sullivan to train and compete with the USA rugby team on a full-time basis, culminating in her participation in the Olympics.

The bronze medalist, who is now an Olympian, stated that she is still experiencing a high from making the podium with her team and that it doesn't feel real.

"She added, "And I'm really missing my teammates. I feel like I have separation anxiety from them because we've worked so hard and spent every day with each other for years.""

"My fellow Army teammates, who are also my brothers and sisters, have expressed their pride in me," Sullivan stated.

From field to field

Sullivan discussed the correlation between her military service and her rugby performance.

"Rugby is a combat sport where adversity on the field brings teammates and sisters closer together," she stated.

"And that's exactly what happens in the Army, too."

She continued, "Going through challenging situations together, such as field training in freezing weather or deploying and serving our country, is something that not many people can claim to have experienced."

"I am honored to be a member of the community that contributes to our country."

Rugby has taught Sullivan a great deal about leadership and how to remain strong in challenging circumstances, she stated.

"Rugby has taught me a lot about myself, how I handle stress, and has made me a better officer," she stated.

Before a finals game, Sullivan's favorite part of playing rugby at the international level is saluting the American flag while the national anthem plays.

Every time she gets to display her patriotism as a United States Army soldier and an athlete, it brings tears to her eyes.

‘How exciting’

An equal 50/50 split between men and women has been achieved in this year's games, which have seen the largest number of female athletes in history, according to the Olympics.

Emilie Bydwell, a female rugby head coach, made history by winning an Olympic medal for the U.S. women's rugby team.

"Women's sports are becoming more recognized for their excitement, emotion, grit, aggression, and power, as people begin to appreciate the effort put into them," Sullivan stated.

"It's acceptable to be both strong and powerful while also being feminine and beautiful simultaneously."

Sullivan hopes that the U.S. women's rugby team can show young girls that "playing like a girl is the best way to play."

Finding an outlet

High-pressure competition can be stressful for even Olympians, so they need to unwind too.

When your entire identity and success are tied to your sport, it can lead you down a dark path, even for Olympians, according to Sullivan.

She has found her own outlet for disconnecting from rugby by building with Legos.

Rugby helped me keep my identity separate from Legos, according to Sullivan, who shared this with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"I urge all athletes, regardless of age, to discover a passion outside of their sport that brings them joy."

With the Paris Olympics concluding, Sullivan stated her focus on the 2028 Los Angeles games.

The Army captain aims to contribute to the military community and share her story with aspiring service members and recruits who wish to "realize both aspirations."

"The Army is incredibly helpful in all our endeavors," she stated. "For any job you can imagine, there's a way the Army can contribute."

"I'm really proud to be a part of that community that serves our nation."

Sullivan stated that she hopes a large number of people will attend the rugby team's games during the season, as their success in 2028 depends on the support of all Americans.

"This sport and this team are incredibly meaningful to me," she stated.

"I will continue to play as long as I am desired."