One year out from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team, Kitty Chiller, is hoping the likes of the Westfield Matildas can help boost Australia’s medal tally.
Alen Stajcic's side reached the quarter finals of June's FIFA Women's World Cup, knocking Brazil out on the way to the last eight.
It's hoped that they can also do well at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, should they qualify.
Chiller is not backing away from the goal of finishing in the top five nations on the gold and overall medal tally.
“If our sports continue to sharpen their preparations and focus, and if we at the AOC continue to ensure we plan and implement the best possible performance environment – logistically, operationally and culturally, then we are in with a chance
“At the Sydney 2000 Games, Australia won medals across 20 sports. In London, the results fell away with medals in just 13 sports.”
The Australian U-23 football team’s qualification for 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will take place this January in Qatar. And the Westfield Matildas’ qualifiers are later in the year.
Football will be played in six cities around Brazil - Rio, Brasilia, Salvador, Manaus, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
“We need a much better spread of medals in Rio. We need to turn 7 gold medals in London into 14 gold in Rio. It is an aspirational goal but achievable," Chiller said.
“The women’s football team showed at the World Cup they are now a real force and a tough road through Asia to qualify will see them battle ready come August next year.”
Rio 2016 Fast Facts
· Opening Ceremony is at 2000 on Friday 5 August 2016. Games conclude Sunday 21 August. (Rio is 9hrs behind AEST).
· Competition starts on 3 August in Football Prelims. Over the 19 days there are 306 medal events across 28 sports.