Katrina Gorry’s daughter Harper has delighted Matildas fans by grabbing the microphone at her mother’s press conference after the Aussies smashed Uzbekistan 10-0 to win a place in the Paris Olympics.
The two-year-old left reporters in stitches after Wednesday night’s match when she grabbed the microphone and said, ‘Bye bye!’ before Gorry told her they had to leave because it was ‘Lanni’s turn’ to speak, referring to her teammate Alanna Kennedy.
Harper was in no hurry to get off the stage, however, leading to her mum picking her up before she gave a cute ‘Bye!’ to Kennedy, who then turned to the reporters and said, ‘Sorry, I’m not as cute as her.’
Harper is pictured celebrating with mum Katrina on the field after the Matildas’ 10-0 win. The two-year-old became an unofficial member of the team in last year’s World Cup
After the victory, Gorry dropped a huge hint that the Olympics could be the last big competition she plays in for her country.
Australia have gone close to winning some major silverware during the 31-year-old’s 13-year, 105-match stint in the green and gold, most notably finishing fourth in last year’s World Cup, fourth at the Tokyo Olympics and losing in the quarter finals of the 2022 Asian Cup.
‘All these things drive you and ignite something in you as an athlete,’ Gorry said on Wednesday night.
‘We always want to win. We can compete against the best. I think we’ve shown that at the World Cup and in the last couple of years.
Gorry’s teammate Alanna Kennedy (right) told reporters, ‘Sorry, I’m not as cute as her,’ after Harper commandeered the microphone in the post-match press conference
‘It’s sad, obviously, [the Olympics] being the last major tournament for some of us, but I think it could be a pretty special one.
‘To go out with a bang would be pretty amazing for all of us.’
Gorry had a strong World Cup and was a standout in the first half of the Uzbekistan win before being taken off at halftime to manage her workload.
She should be a shoo-in to make the Aussie side for Paris, barring injury, but the nature of Wednesday night’s victory has left coach Tony Gustavsson with a pleasant selection headache.
Michelle Heyman wasn’t expected to push for a spot in the Olympics side after being out of international football for six years, but her incredible four-goal haul in Melbourne has turned that on its head.
Harper also shared an adorable moment with Kyra Cooney-Cross after the victory
Gorry played a strong first half against Uzbekistan and should be a lock to make the Aussie team for the Olympics after hinting it could be her last big tournament for her country
With superstar striker Sam Kerr struggling to overcome her serious knee injury in time to be fit for the Games, the Aussies need all the firepower they can get, and the 35-year-old has put her hand up in the best way possible.
‘Coming out there, I knew what Uzbekistan could bring and knew exactly what I had to do to be successful,’ Heyman said after the match.
‘I do believe in my ability and know how hard I’ve been pushing myself to get here and I won’t be stopping.
‘I’m going to continue to push even harder for Canberra United and just keep working on my fitness, speed and do everything I can do to be one of those 16 outfield players who go to Paris.’
