People laughed when Alicia Quirk left touch footy for full-contact rugby sevens. This is what she discovered going against what society expects of women and girls.

Lakeisha Patterson has stared down cerebral palsy, epilepsy and online bullying. However, it’s the strength of her mother that leaves the Paralympic swimming star truly in awe.

The Matildas enter the Women’s World Cup as frontline contenders. Here, in their own words, every squad member looks ahead to the tournament.

‘I’ve wondered, ‘Why me? Surely the doctors have made a terrible mistake…’’ World Cup-bound Diamonds player Sarah Klau is determined to ensure her new reality won’t get in the way of reaching her potential in netball.