"We won in Paris by winning every day."

For Asia Hogan-Rochester, rugby wasn’t part of the plan — until it became their world. The Toronto native went from going to gym class in jeans to standing on the Olympic podium, silver medal in hand. Asia shares how growing up, "I wasn't an athlete. My sport was yapping."

But, at 17, Asia picked up a rugby ball. Their friend's older sister (now teammate), Charity Williams, had returned to high school with an Olympic medal and as Asia shares, “I finally saw someone from my community who looked like me — and who believed I could do this, too.”

That moment ignited a spark that became a fire for Asia, and after seeing the power of a role model firsthand, they hope to be that person for others. "Rugby is for everyone." Asia goes a step further, encouraging individuals to stop waiting and to get in the game. “If you’re waiting to see someone who looks like you, stop waiting. Be that person for someone else.”

While Asia has had incredible success, they have also had quite a few setbacks including a devastating ACL tear that nearly sidelined their Olympic dreams. But with grit (and glitter), Asia came back stronger, helping Canada qualify for the Paris Games and eventually stand toe-to-toe with powerhouses like New Zealand.

In our conversation, Asia opens up about injury recovery, mental health, and the power of representation. She urges you to not “wait to be confident." Whether scoring tries or growing their social media presence, Asia is proof that you can shine — both on the field and off. Their ask? “If you’ve thought about trying rugby…this is your sign. Do it.”

---------------

Flame Bearers is a multi media movement, illuminating the unsung stories of exceptional women athletes from around the world. We tell stories via podcast, video and live events and have worked with over 270 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries and counting.

For more videos about elite women athletes, subscribe to our YouTube channel ► / @flamebearers

Follow us -

Instagram - / flamebearers

Facebook - / flamebearerspodcast

LinkedIn - / flame-bearers

TikTok - / flame_bearers

X - / flame_bearers

Our Website - https://flamebearers.com/