Only weeks out from the Commonwealth Games and the media coverage could not have been any more negative. Athletes pulling out, poor conditions in the village, security threats, and we, as the Australian team, were given the option of whether we still wanted to go. I had people asking me everyday “are you still going” and all received the same straight forward answer of ‘of course!’ I never once questioned my decision as I trusted the information and the work of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association.
The Australian team had a group of people working very hard to resolve any cleaning or room issues, and with the help of the Indian staff, we had our slightly dirty and dusty yet comfortable rooms in order. So for those who were wondering is it was as bad as the media portrayed, the answer is no. A little underdone, but nothing we couldn’t handle.
We were there about a week early so we spent most of our time training, eating, adapting to the heat, and wandering around just soaking up the atmosphere that is a Commonwealth Games Village. There were 7000 or so athletes there so we had a ball just walking around chatting to people. Throughout the week we had many ceremonies and functions all designed to welcome us and help us learn a little about the Indian culture. Of course the Opening Ceremony was one of them and the majority of our team were able to enjoy the amazing experience of walking into a packed stadium as a member of the Australian team. This night unfortunately, was not without dramas. We had to spend an hour in a tunnel under the stadium before we could walk in. This was up there with one of the most uncomfortable experiences of the trip. You may of noticed how happy everyone was when they entered the stadium Well that was more to do with the fact that we were finally out in the fresh air.
So the tournament began and the Hockeyroos were up against Trinidad & Tobago, India, South Africa and Scotland in order to reach our first goal of making the finals. All went according to plan, with our cooling techniques in place to ensure that our team would be in good shape by the end of the tournament, even though we were testing our bodies in very hot conditions everyday. Ice vests, rehydration protocols, pool recovery, ice baths and massage were all involved most days, and quite possibly what ended up giving us an edge by the end. We played most of our games at 1.30pm India time, which as you know, is the hottest part of the day. We were also at a slight disadvantage as we had two goal keepers and therefore one less player to rotate on the bench. Many teams chose to bring only one for that reason. We fought our way through the round games and ended up on top of our pool, ensuring a semi final against England from the other pool. Hockey is not always a high scoring game and we proves in this one that a single goal can mean the difference between a Gold and a Bronze medal. For me as a goal keeper, it was probably my toughest game. Our defense was under the pump for the majority of the second half and it is a credit to the girls to be able to come away with no goals against us and a very important win. We were all so excited after this game as we knew we were guaranteed at least a Silver medal. We quickly changed our tune though as greed set in and we decided that we REALLY wanted that gold medal.
The night before the big game: Wow, I was sooo nervous. There were so many thoughts going through my head and I just knew it was gong to take a mammoth effort for us to get over the Kiwis. A few of us joked that we would like to just do it easily and not have to go to extra time or strokes. many of the finals in the men’s had been decided by strokes and we certainly didn’t want that. Way too stressful!! Anyway it was game day. We prepared as normal and the moment had arrived. I felt quite good going into the game as my confidence had been building with each game I had played. It was a milestone game for me as it was also my 50th game for Australia. This is an achievement I am very proud of as it has taken me nearly four years to do it, but it was not something I was even thinking about once the game started. It was always going to be a tough fight for us and that’s how it played out. With less than 40 seconds to go, NZ managed to sneak one past us in a short corner which meant we went to extra time. Frank, our coach instructed us to keep on believing and not feel like we had blown it. Extra time gave both teams a couple of really good opportunities but we finished both halves at nil all.
Strokes it is. By this stage I, along with many of the other girls were just exhausted. I snuck a quick skull of an energy drink and then it was on. Strokes for me as a goal keeper are a bit of a mind game but I love the nerves and adrenaline that comes along with the pressure and so I try and use that. The girls were all pretty relaxed (or just too fatigued to be nervous) so we headed on out with the aim of finishing what we came here to do. We scored first with a great stroke from Ash Nelson which then meant I was up. I followed my routine and just went at the first flick with everything and came away with a save. The adrenaline was pumping and boy did it feel good to save that first one. We scored another great flick which put the Kiwis under a lot of pressure. This was obviously felt by Krystal Forgesson who missed the net on her flick. 2-0. Donny our very tired captain, unfortunately missed hers but then two minutes later Nic Arnold scored the winner for us! A great flick from Wiz under pressure and the Hockeyroos had won GOLD!! Easily the most amazing feeling I have ever felt. Ecstatic, excited, exhausted and overwhelmed were some of the emotions I felt at the time. We had to fight hard for it which made it all the sweeter. What an experience.
The well wishes and support have not stopped, even today, so a big thank you to everyone who watched us, followed us and have supported us along the way.
