The Aussie Spirit returned to the Olympics following a 13 year wait since their last outing in Beijing, 2008 hoping for a fifth medal from five appearances at the Games, only to fall short in the final game of the round-robin fixture.

Sing it loud and proud 🇦🇺

First of many national anthem renditions for #Tokyo2020.

Watch live on https://t.co/xTOlJttDXI#7Olympics pic.twitter.com/VJ3GyS1bi2

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 21, 2021

Against five of the most competitive nations in world softball, Italy, Japan, USA, Mexico and Canada, Australia recorded one win, coming against the Italians in their second game at Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium.

✅ We're on the board

Michelle Cox gives Australia our first run of #Tokyo2020

Watch live on https://t.co/xTOlJttDXI#7Olympics pic.twitter.com/x5JFQsvi0n

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 21, 2021

Kaia Parnaby and Ellen Roberts combined in the game to shutout the Italians, successfully defending a 1-0 score line over seven innings.

Matchups against Japan and Canada got away from the Spirit due to errors in the field, and while they were able to turn in their best performance of the tournament against World Champions USA, it wasn't enough to secure a spot in the bronze medal game.

Five scoreless innings pitched and counting for @kaialynette 🔥

🇦🇺 1 - 0 🇮🇹#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics pic.twitter.com/DaNmhNQaqg

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 22, 2021

There were positives from Australia moving forward, New South Wales star Taylah Tsitsikronis, South Australian Bel White and Western Australia's Leigh Godfrey finishing equal fifth in batting averages for the tournament with .333, while Queenslander Jade Wall had four RBIs for the week, accounting for all of the Spirit's scoring plays, equal third for all batters in the tournament.

Wall also put an exclamation mark on her debut Olympics, smoking a home round over centre field against Mexico for a memory she'll never forget.

HOME RUN! Jade Wall puts @SoftballOz on the board!

Back to a 4-1 deficit, bottom of the sixth...#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics pic.twitter.com/yH6gvUWMoD

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 26, 2021

The final round loss to Mexico sealed the Spirit's fate who also farewell their captain Stacey Porter, a veteran of 446 games for the Aussie Spirit, including three Olympic appearances and a bronze and silver medal.

While not the note she would have preferred to have left on, Porter said she's proud of her achievements in the international game and was happy to see first-class softball on display for the next generation of Aussie Spirit stars, aiming at an Olympic debut when the sport is hopefully returned to the cycle at LA 2028.

"That's it for me, it's a disappointing day for a few reasons. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Aussie Spirit, I'm sad not to get the result and sad I won't lace up with them again," said Porter.

"I'm super proud of all the team, a lot of us have been together for 12, 13 years, and we've created a great bond.

Check out this run-down play from the skipper 💪🙌#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics | @SoftballOz pic.twitter.com/UHON2OnVt6

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 24, 2021

"I've said throughout the whole campaign, we're very lucky to be able to play during a time like it is at the moment.

"Just to have softball back on the TV in Australia, it's been a really long time since the kids of Australia have seen quality softball on TV. It's great to be able to put on a show."

OUT!!

White and Warwick team up nicely to catch USA's hot feet! 🇦🇺#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics | @SoftballOz pic.twitter.com/inPEKGuswb

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 25, 2021

Chelsea Forkin is another who will step away from the Aussie Spirit, taking to social media to announce her retirement.

"Words can't really convey how proud I am to have worn Australia across my chest, a part of the Aussie Spirit," said Forkin via her Instagram account.

"Our Olympic campaign may be over, but regardless of the result, it's important to recognise all the positives and how far we've all come to get our sport back on the Olympic stage after 13 long years out.

"It's been one amazing ride, however it's time for me to step away and look to the next chapter of life. I'm extremely humbled for everyone's kind messages and support over this last couple of months! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

Aussie Spirit captain Stacey Porter fought back tears last night.

Her 446-game career, which has included silver and bronze medals, came to an end with defeat to Mexico.

One of the best to ever do it.

Thank you, Stacey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5rlG4JqAL8

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 27, 2021

Following the opening round, Canada defeated Mexico for their first Olympic Medal claiming Bronze with a 3-2 scoreline.

The gold medal game between heavyweights Japan and USA saw the host nation record a 2-0 shutout of the US for back-to-back Olympic titles.

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