BHM: Charity Williams – From Childhood Dream to Olympic Medalist
As we continue our Black History Month series, today, we turn our focus to Charity, an Olympic rugby player whose inspiring story showcases not only her athletic excellence but also her commitment to creating space for future Black athletes.
Early Inspiration
For Charity, her Olympic dream began at 8 years old while watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Mesmerised by the performances of the athletes on her TV screen, she made a vow that she would one day become an Olympian. “At the time, I was a gymnast,” she recalls, “but as I got older, it became clear that being an Olympic gymnast wasn’t in the cards for me. So, I knew I had to pivot.”
That turning point came when Charity was in Grade 10. She had already been trying out various sports, but it wasn’t until a teammate from her wrestling team encouraged her to attend a rugby practice that everything clicked. “From the first day I stepped onto that rugby field, I fell in love,” Charity says. “It felt like all of my dreams were coming together.”
Finding Rugby and Rapid Rise
Charity’s passion for rugby grew quickly, and it didn’t take long for her talent to be recognised. After two years of playing high school rugby, and a standout season with Team Ontario, she was selected by Team Canada in 2013. This opportunity required her to move to Victoria to train with the national team—an opportunity she embraced fully, even completing her final year of high school there.
“Moving to Victoria at that age was daunting,” she admits, “but I knew it was the next step toward fulfilling my Olympic dream.”
Olympic Journey and Achievements
One of Charity’s proudest moments came in 2016 when, at just 19 years old, she was named to Team Canada’s rugby squad for the Rio Olympics. “I was the youngest player to make the squad, and when I found out, I cried through the entire meeting,” Charity reflects. “It wasn’t just about going to the Olympics—it was the realiation that my younger self, who once sat in front of the TV watching those incredible athletes, was now becoming one of them.”
At the Rio Olympics, Charity and her team went on to win the bronze medal. Yet for her, the most special part of that journey wasn’t the medal itself—it was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and a dream that never wavered.
Her Olympic story didn’t end in Rio. In 2024, Charity was part of the Team Canada squad that earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. “Winning silver was amazing, but it wasn’t just about the medal,” she explains. “It was about what we accomplished as a team. The challenges we faced and overcame together over the past three years made that achievement so meaningful. We inspired each other every day, and I think that was felt by everyone who watched and supported us.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Charity remains committed to her sport and to inspiring the next generation of rugby players. Currently, she plays for another of Kukri’s official partners; the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has her sights set on winning a national championship with her team. “Right now, I’m focused on enjoying my time at UBC, connecting with the team, and having a blast,” she says. “Of course, I’m also hoping for another Olympic run in the future!”
Beyond her personal goals, Charity is passionate about creating a more inclusive and diverse rugby environment for future athletes.
Reflections on Black History Month
For Charity, Black History Month is a significant time to reflect, learn, and listen. “For me, and for people who look like me, Black History Month is every month because I am who I am 365 days a year,” she says.
Rugby in Canada has made strides in diversity and inclusivity, but Charity is quick to point out that more work needs to be done. She reflects on her experience as the only Black player selected to Canada’s rugby squad at the 2016 Olympics. “I felt a huge responsibility to be a role model for young Black kids across the country. It wasn’t that there was a lack of talented Black athletes—there was a lack of safe spaces and opportunities for them to thrive,” she explains.
Fast forward to Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and Charity saw firsthand how the national team had evolved. “By the time we reached Tokyo and Paris, we had a much more diverse squad, and it made all the difference. Everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. That’s the rugby I want to see going forward.”
Championing Inclusivity in Rugby
As Charity looks to the future, she hopes to continue being a voice for change within rugby. “Rugby is such a beautiful sport, and the opportunities it offers are endless. But everyone deserves access to those opportunities,” she says. “We need to keep pushing for a sport that is inclusive, diverse, and safe for all athletes, regardless of their background.”
With her Olympic medals, inspiring journey, and vision for the future, Charity remains a trailblazer both on and off the field—a powerful example of resilience, passion, and the importance of representation.
New Zealand
Login / Register
