At 40, Christine Sinclair has won everything there is to win in women’s football… or almost. She’s missing a world title and is looking to make up for it this summer.
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Born in Britain, she won gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. She also has bronze medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games.
She has won individual awards with 14 Canadian Footballer of the Year awards. She also holds the world record for most national team goals, men and women combined, with 190 goals in more than 300 games with the Canada national team.
But the title of world champion was always denied to her. Since joining the team in 2003, the Canadians couldn’t have done better than fourth place.
Lifting the precious trophy at the tournament, which starts in Australia and New Zealand in less than two weeks, could cap off her outstanding career.
Personal issue
Sinclair has fire in her eyes when she’s on the field. We sense that she is inspired by an extraordinary passion. It’s her fuel, even if she tries to control it.
“I am someone who is neither personally nor collectively satisfied. It’s what keeps me going every day.
“I’m always looking for improvements to find the 2 or 3% that will allow us to do more. I think that’s what makes me play today.”
That’s why she was so happy for Canada’s win at the Tokyo Games two years ago. And she’s determined to prove it wasn’t an accident, which could well be her swan song.
“We want to prove to the world that what we did in Tokyo was no coincidence.”
inspiration
The captain’s hard work obviously doesn’t go unnoticed in a squad made up of a good mix of experienced players and young talent.
Sinclair has long been the driving force behind Canada’s squad, but her age has meant her role has evolved, explains coach Bev Priestman.
“She is vital to this team but it’s not just Christine’s team anymore, we have depth front and back.
“I think she’s evolving and that’s her credit. She appears humble, but beneath her shell she is a fierce competitor.
Priestman says she is impressed by her captain’s dedication, who is an inspiration to her teammates.
“I’m 37, she’s three years older than me and she’s doing very well on physical tests. She experienced setbacks but was finally able to hang a gold medal around her neck. She’s not done with what she has to do,” said the coach, with a view to a possible world title.
Bev Priestman AFP
She hides her game
Sinclair could practically be the mother of her just 19-year-old teammate Simi Awujo. However, this confirms that in practice things are different.
“I definitely wouldn’t say she looks like a 40-year-old woman,” she laughs.
“She’s so down to earth that her age doesn’t matter. It’s just a nice person to be with.
As for the main prospect, she chose to focus on the task but slow down a bit mentally.
“Right now I just want to enjoy [de notre présence en Australie]. I’m a perfectionist and I push myself so hard that I want to have fun.
“It’s the first time my family has been there to see me play and I want to capture the memories.”
Simi Awujo AFP