Hockeyroos 2000 Golden Girls Women’s Team of the Century
The 2000 Sydney Olympic Games gold medal winning Hockeyroos team has been awarded the Australian Women’s ‘Team of the Century’ at the ‘Centenary of Canberra Sportswomen’s Ball’ conducted at The Great Hall, Parliament House in Canberra.
It was a memorable night for hockey, claiming the glamorous team award and producing ten nominees for Top 100 Australian Sportswomen of All Time.
The 2000 team comprised of three publically nominated athletes in the ‘Top 100 Australian Sportswomen of All Time’ category. This included three-time Olympic gold medallist and former WAIS scholarship holder Rechelle Hawkes OAM, two-time Olympic gold medallist and Hockeyroos all-time leading goal scorer Alyson Annan OAM and Hockeyroos games record holder Nikki Hudson OAM, who was in attendance on the night.
Hockeyroos Captain and Western Australian Sporting Hall of Famer Rechelle Hawkes was overwhelmed after hearing the news of the team’s award.
“We had a really successful eight period between 1993 and 2000 and winning a gold medal at a home Olympic Games was icing on the cake for this elite group of players. It’s a tremendous feeling having the 2000 team recognised for such a prestigious award. We all put in a lot of hard work and energy during those years, so I think I can speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we will hold this award dear to our hearts,” Hawkes said.
Australian Federal Sports Minister, the Honorable Kate Lundy presented the ‘Team of the Century’ award to Hockey Australia Chief Executive, Mark Anderson and gold medallist, Nikki Hudson OAM who spoke on behalf of the athletes.
Hockey Australia Chief Executive said, “this Hockeyroos team and others in this era were not only successful but also became role models for our sport. There is no doubt that the Hockeyroos of this era left a lasting legacy for our sport. They inspired a nation with the gold medal and there is no doubt that they also inspired the next generation of players. Thirteen years later, over half our players in club competition are females, reinforcing the tremendous impact that this team has had on our sport,” Anderson said.
The mastermind behind the success of the Hockeyroos gold medal streak during the 90’s was Australian sporting legend, Ric Charlesworth who was unable to attend on the night.
Charlesworth coached the Hockeyroos from 1993-2000, winning every major tournament during this period. The record run included two Olympic gold medals (1996 & 2000), four Champions Trophy gold medals (1993, 95, 97 & 99) and two World Cup gold medals (1994 & 1998).
Whilst unable to attend on the night, Charlesworth was pleased that the team’s performances had been acknowledged in this significant manner. He reflected on the memorable years and the 2000 Olympic team which Australian sport lovers will never forget.
“When I began coaching the team I became aware of their talent and believed we had the ability to challenge for the major prizes.
No coach can succeed and no team will win at elite level without gifted and driven players and the Hockeyroos in the 90s had an abundance of talent in their athleticism, game sense and skill alongside a great work ethic and high ambition.
I did not believe we could attain the sustained heights we did until after our first four years and Olympic success in Atlanta, 1996. To win the major tournament every year for eight years consecutively was indeed extraordinary. The coincidence of great athletes and an outstanding off field team made it possible.
Some may be surprised when I say the most outstanding quality of the team was their humility. It underpinned a search for continuous improvement and a diligent approach to training and a disciplined life off the field…this humility assured the team’s sustained success. It was exemplified in an attitude which said there is more to do…we can get better.”
– Hockey Australia
