Risi Pouri-Lane
A steely New Zealand sevens leader who captained teams to gold as a teenager and became an Olympic champion with her relentless physicality.
Born 2000 (age 26)·New Zealand rugby sevens player·Birthday: May 28·Generation Z
Biography
Risi Pouri-Lane announced herself to the world not with a whisper, but with the blast of a final whistle. Hailing from Whanganui, she was a natural athlete, but rugby sevens became her canvas. Her leadership qualities were evident early; at just 18, she was handed the captaincy of the New Zealand youth squad for the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. She delivered, steering the team to a gold medal and marking herself as a future cornerstone. Her transition to the senior Black Ferns Sevens was seamless. A powerhouse with ball in hand and a fearsome defender, Pouri-Lane's game is built on explosive strength and unwavering composure. This was proven on the biggest stages: a Commonwealth Games gold in 2018, followed by the ultimate prize—Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020. Her journey embodies the next generation of Kiwi sevens stars: technically brilliant, mentally tough, and born to win.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Risi was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Risi Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Risi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained the New Zealand youth sevens team to a gold medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.
- Won an Olympic gold medal with the Black Ferns Sevens at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
- Secured a Commonwealth Games gold medal with New Zealand at the 2018 Gold Coast event.
Did You Know?
Her full first name is Risealeaana, and she goes by the shortened 'Risi'.
She comes from a strong sporting family in Whanganui, New Zealand.
She won her second Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games.
“The try is won long before you cross the line.”
