• Chantelle Swaby has been speaking to FIFA

• She is gearing up for an Olympic play-off bout with Canada

• Defender starred during Jamaica's Women's World Cup run

Even just a question about the possibility of playing in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 was enough to put a big smile on the face of Jamaica's Chantelle Swaby: "It would be absolutely insane," the 25-year-old defender exclaimed during an exclusive interview with FIFA, when asked about the possibility to playing at the finals.

She is part of the Jamaica side who are trying to secure their place at next year's competition in France via a two-legged play-off against reigning Olympic champions Canada. The first leg is taking place in Kingston on 22 September, with the return fixture in Toronto to be played just four days later. The winner will be heading to Paris next summer.

"I don't think I can put into words just how significant this would be for us, the players, and for our country," the 25-year-old admitted. "The Olympic Games are something else, what with all the different sports and all the top athletes.

"Someone told me on Twitter the other day that [American basketball star] LeBron [James] would be playing at next year's Olympics: I can't even imagine playing at the same competition as LeBron James! I simply can't fathom it."

Jamaica have never been this close to Olympic qualification before. And with this Concacaf crunch match just a few days away, the mood within the two camps could not be more different. It has been just over a month since the conclusion of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™, a tournament in which both Jamaica and Canada took part, but with differing results.

Canada suffered their earliest elimination from the competition since the 2011 edition following their group-stage exit, whereas the Reggae Girlz, playing in only their second-ever World Cup, made it out of the groups before narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia in the Round of 16.

It's safe to say, then, that this Olympic qualifying match is coming at a really good time for Swaby and co. "I think that given our current form, it's the right moment to play this match, even if they [Canada] are going to be ultra-motivated. They're the current Olympic champions, and so not qualifying for Paris 2024 would be traumatising for them.

"They won't be as laid back as they normally are against us, but the most important thing is that we are properly prepared for the tie."

Australia & New Zealand undoubtedly prepared Jamaica as well as it could have done. Jamaica opened their campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against a much-fancied France side, claiming a first-ever World Cup point in the process. Swaby, who is currently playing her club football at French side FC Fleury 91, could not have dreamt of a better start to the tournament.

"I swapped shirts at the end of the game with my [Fleury] teammate Lea Le Garrec. Some of my Fleury team-mates and my coaches sent me a message. Before the game, they wished me good luck. After full-time, the messages were a bit less cheery!" She says with a laugh.

"But my best memory remains the game against Brazil," she continued, referring to the 0-0 draw which secured the Reggae Girlz a place in the Round of 16 and simultaneously knocked A Seleção out of the competition.

"Going into that match, we knew we had a chance to progress to the next round, but it's one thing to believe it and another thing to do it. We really played as a team for the entire 90 minutes, and defended really well. It's by far my favourite memory of the World Cup.

"I think we learned a lot during the tournament and that we showed our resolve. And despite some difficulties off the pitch, we showed our determination. It was something bigger than just playing football. We showed the entire world who we are as people."

Lorne Donaldson's side will therefore be looking to show this enthusiasm in the play-off against Canada, and Swaby knows that she'll be able to count on the support of her entire family for those games. Her father and brother made the journey to Australia and will be following not only her to Toronto, but sister Allyson, who also plays for the Reggae Girlz.

"She brings a wealth of wisdom and experience," commented Chantelle, who is two years younger than Allyson. "She talks to me a lot, both on and off the pitch. I feel comfortable when we're both playing on the pitch together."

Swaby will need to feel at ease so that she can contain opponents Canada, in particular their captain and taliswoman Christine Sinclair, who has once again been called up for September's play-off at the age of 40.

"During our last meeting with them [a 3-0 defeat at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship], I told myself: 'She's older, it's going to be fine. I won't need to worry, I'll be too fast for her.' And as soon as the game started, I thought: 'Ah OK, she's actually a top-class player.' I really respect her. She's done so much for her team. I don't know if she will play against us, but I still respect her."

Jamaica will have to put their respect to one side in their bid to secure their place at what would be the country's first-ever appearance at an Olympic Football Tournament. This would also see them follow in the footsteps of one illustrious Jamaican athlete in particular.

"At the World Cup, one of the girls managed to FaceTime with Usain Bolt," recounts Swaby, whose voice sped up once the eight-time Olympic athletics champion was mentioned. "He wished us good luck. The possibility of competing at the same competition as he once did is a crazy thought.

"I certainly think that will give us the little bit of extra motivation for these two upcoming matches, which would help send us to the Olympics."

It will be up to the Reggae Girlz to give it their all in the final sprint as they look to share this famous sporting stage alongside some of the world's top athletes.