Traditionally, referees prefer to fly under the radar.
But after being named an official for women’s soccer at the 2020 Olympics Games, Chantal Boudreau can’t help but be in the spotlight when the games get underway on July 21 in Tokyo.
Boudreau’s latest high-profile assignment comes on the heels of officiating at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, but with the uncertainty of the Olympics proceeding over the course of the last year-and-a-half, this opportunity is one she isn’t taking for granted.
“It was extremely tough, and not only mentally, to realize that this might not happen at all,” she said. “For the last year, it was extremely challenging to stay focused and to stay fit in hopes that the Olympics may happen this year. So when the final email came through that, yes, the Olympics were happening and that I was selected to go, it was nothing but pure joy.”