Rio 2016: Super mum Nicole Beck provides Illawarra’s magic Olympics moment

Bulli super mum Nicole Beck and gold medal playoff try-scorer Emma Tonegato on Tuesday added to the region’s success, started by swimmer Emma McKeon’s relay triumph. 

The 24-17 win over New Zealand might stand as one gold medal for Australia, but it’s the reward for a lifetime of training and dedication for Beck and Tonegato.

The three golds would put Illawarra equal with Hungary and ahead of Russia, South Korea and Great Britain, after three days of competition.

And there could be more to come, with McKeon and brother David back in the pool on Wednesday.

Emma qualified sixth fastest for the 200m freestyle final (11.19am), but is a medal contender if she swims a time close to her personal best. 

David will be part of Australia’s 4x200m relay team likely to win silver or bronze.  

Australia’s equestrian team on Tuesday pushed towards a medal on Wednesday morning, but Berry’s Shane Rose was eliminated after his horse refused to clear multiple jumps during the cross country event. 

Tonegato put the Australian Sevens team on the path to glory, controversially awarded their first try after the ball landed short of the line initially and then bobbled in her hands.  

But the magic moment of Illawarra’s Games so far belonged to Beck, who held her three-year-old daughter Sophie to kiss the gold medal together.

At 28, Beck made her international debut eight years ago, but took an extended break after the birth of her daughter.

Champion sporting teams often speak of a family-like bond that ties them together and helps them thrive.

For Australia's rugby sevens women's side, a little girl – their "13th woman" at the Rio Olympics – has already made that the case.

Sophie Beck is only three but "part of the squad", in coach Tim Walsh's eyes.

In hard-tackling mother Nicole Beck's words, the world champions are Sophie's family.

"It really is, it's her extended family," she said.

"She comes to training at least once a day, every day. The girls are all her aunties and she loves it."

While Beck remains one of the few Australian sevens players from before Olympic admission in 2009 still involved, she never considered the birth of Sophie in 2012 would stop her making a tilt at Rio selection.

Even serious complications at birth, which prevented her from running for seven months, didn't douse her motivation.

With the support of the ARU's sevens program, Beck, 28, returned to be a key member of the side that won Australia its first sevens world series this year.

"Nic is a fantastic mother and the way she has been able to juggle that and perform has been inspirational, and it adds another dimension to our team," Walsh said.

"Sophie's pretty much one of the squad."

And she doesn't just sit on the sidelines colouring in or playing with dolls.

"She loves to watch, and it's amazing how much she actually takes in," Beck said.

"We go home and she wants to practice lineouts at home, and tackling."

While former touch football representative Beck is lauded for her speed and game awareness by the coach, she's best known for her defence – becoming an internet sensation twice with rib-rattling hits.

Last-ditch tackles on England winger Fiona Pocock (2010) and Ireland speedster Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe (February) highlighted the strength and tenacity of the women's game, which is expected to stun new fans when the sport debuts in Rio.

Sophie will be along for the ride for an early fourth birthday present, staying outside the Olympic village with Beck's parents and partner Joel. – AAP

.

Congratulations to you Emma & Nicole, you have done your local area proud. It would be great to see you at Spring into Corrimal on the 11th September. 2 local women flying the Wollongong flag on the international stage. Congratulations to all the team. Paul Boultwood, Corrimal 

Congratulations girls on winning gold. I was cheering you on at home with my boys. It was an awesome game to watch. Margaret, Warrawong 

Congratulations girls. You've done not only the Illawarra proud but also Australia. Such an inspiration for all the young girls out there. Claire Dewhirst, Corrimal

Great game ladies!!! Leonie, 2519

Emma, so proud to hear you have done so well. Paul O'Donoghue, Sydney

Congratulations on your gold winning performance. Lauretta Jackson, Fairy Meadow 

Brilliant Nicole. You've done your family and Bulli proud. Wish Sharlene Harriman could have been on the podium with you. Bill Silvester, Wollongong

Congrats girls so proud Sue and Mark, Bulli

Watched from inverell nsw formerly from the gong ✌🏽️ U girls did Australia so proud huge congrats on the gold medal absolute champs!🏉🏅 🏆 Chez, Inverell

Congratulations Nicole! Bulli PS were watching and cheering !! Debbie Wedeman, East Corrimal

Woo hoo great game girls. Did the Illawarra proud! Rhonda Fisher, Corrimal 

Hey congts to the Gong girls and all the squad too Lachlan, Macallan MarilisaCalders Balgownie

A massive congratulations to you both and to all Australian Olympians. You have all done our country, Australia and the Illawarra, so proud. Congratulations XXX Phil and Karen, Albion Park

Congratulations Emma on winning GOLD at the Olympics. We remember you as a great Touch Footballer. We are so proud of your achievements! Rosie & Dori Meta & family, Cordeaux Heights

Fantastic love watching Te rugby 7's Leanne Wright, Balgownie 2519

congrats from woonona Fred, Woonona

Congrats girls.Wonderful to watch your matches and bring home gold.woo hoo Rose Attwood, Albion Park

Congratulations Emma and Nicole. So proud of what you have achieved, an inspiration to many of us in Wollongong area, especially the aspiring youths and children in the region. Song and Yook, Cordeaux Heights

Congrats to womens 7's team. Such speed, agility and grunt. Very exciting game for specatators and can't wait to go to a live match. Kerrie and Lawrence Smith, Thirroul

great stuff. put the men to shame with your game James, Austinmer

Well done ladies, it was a pleasure to watch Bob Ognenovski, Mt Keira