McKenzie represented Australia in the Under-18 Rugby 7s side recently.

The Frensham student was a part of a 32-woman squad that played on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas.

In the lead-up to the games, McKenzie had participated in three training camps since February, as well as a pre-tournament in Runaway Bay in Queensland.

In addition to this, the athlete trained with her physical performance coach Darren Clunn in Mittagong.

McKenzie said she was happy her training had paid off in the form of a gold medal.

“I feel really proud, over there it felt like a lot of hard work had paid off,” McKenzie said.

“I knew my role and responsibilities, and played well.”

McKenzie said she was glad to have the support of her family and friends at the games.

“It was amazing to perform in front of my family and friends, and amazing to know we won a gold medal in front of them,” she said.

“It was my first experience overseas.

“It was definitely an experience to go to the Bahamas on my first family holiday.”

McKenzie said she was proud of the way her team played.

“We went out to compete and come home with the gold medal,” she said.

“We knew our role, everyone just had to execute it.”

McKenzie recommended rugby 7s to other young people.

“Everyone should give 7s a crack,” she said. “I’ve made so many friends and learnt so much.”

McKenzie hopes the games will help with a career in the Rugby 7s.

The squad had players from NSW and Queensland, as well as the ACT and Western Australia.

The side went up against five other teams including Samoa, Canada, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands. All of the competitors in the Commonwealth Youth Games were a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 18 in the year of completion.

More than 1,300 young athletes, coaches and supporters descended on the island of New Providence for the sixth installment of the games.