Midfielder Julia Grosso, was Canada's hero in the penalty shootout at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She speaks exclusively to FIFA about that life-changing experience and her ambitions for Paris 2024.

When Julia Grosso scored the decisive penalty in the gold medal match at Tokyo 2020, her life changed forever.

The penalty scored by the midfielder earned Canada its first world title and will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in the country's football history. Grosso, who was just in her twenties, celebrated exuberantly with her teammates after her crucial penalty in the shootout, but later revealed that she needed some time to grasp the magnitude of what she had achieved.

Grosso said in her interview with FIFA: "I was definitely very happy at that moment. But I don’t think I truly understood how significant it was. I realized that when I went home and saw how many people were watching and supporting us. That's when I said, 'This was the Olympics and we won gold!' For me, the most important thing I noticed was how it inspired a generation of young people. When I was younger, I would keenly follow the careers of many players. That kept me motivated and ignited my desire to be the best I could be. And I hope to be an inspiration to at least one young player."

Grosso is part of Canada's squad that will defend its title at the women's football Olympic tournament in Paris 2024. Canada is in Group A alongside host nation France, Oceania champions New Zealand, and Colombia, who were standout teams in last year's FIFA Women's World Cup.

Grosso added: "We are going to the Olympics believing we can win. We have a lot of talent, but it’s not just about that – it’s about how we connect and bond together. That’s what led us to win the gold medal at the last Olympic tournament, for sure. We have a good culture, and any team that faces us will be in for a challenge. I know this team and we love good challenges."

Canada has made an impressive recovery after a disappointing run in the Women's World Cup, where they were eliminated early in the group stage. Just weeks after returning from Australia and New Zealand 2023, they defeated Jamaica in the Olympic qualifying playoff, before achieving remarkable victories against top teams like Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. They drew in two closely fought matches with the United States but lost in the penalty shootout.

Grosso continued: "After the World Cup, we knew we had to return to what we always do and show our determination and resilience. Everyone knows Canada will always enter the competition with a fighting spirit. That’s what you will see at the Olympics."

Grosso will head to Paris 2024 after recently leaving Juventus to join the Chicago Red Stars in the United States. The 23-year-old player spent three seasons with Juventus, winning the league and the Coppa Italia twice. She was named the best midfielder in Serie A for the 2022/23 season.