Eddie Ockenden continues to eclipse records in international hockey, but nothing could surpass the accolade of being named as the Australian Olympic Team Flag Bearer for the Paris Games.
In front of an audience of Olympians, VIPs, families and friends, the reluctant champion was bestowed with the role at The Paris Mint just days before the Kookaburras begin their quest for Olympic gold.
Only 25 Olympians have held the title before him, and fellow 2024 Flag Bearer, canoeist
Jessica Fox.
The duo will lead the Australian team during the Opening Ceremony, which will take place on boats along the river Seine in central Paris. Between them, the athletes have won seven Olympic medals.
For those in the hockey community, the honour comes as little surprise for the understated champion who is accompanied in Paris by his partner Lou and sons Oscar, Fedde and Jip.
When it comes to hockey, few can compare to Eddie. He is the first Australian hockey player to represent Australia at five Olympic Games.
The only other field hockey players to achieve this globally are: Pol Amat and David Alegre (Spain), Natascha Keller (Germany) and Teun de Nooijer (Netherlands).
In Paris, the Tasmanian midfielder is on track to achieve 450 international caps if the Kookaburras make the gold medal match on 8 August. The present record of 454 international caps is held by current Belgium player John-John Dohmen.
Eddie is one of seven Tasmanians to have played for either the Kookaburras or Hockeyroos at the Olympics.
“There's been a lot said about Eddie and I'm not sure if I can add any more but he's been a great warrior for us,” coach Colin Batch said.
“He still loves playing for the Kookaburras so I think that says a great deal that his enjoyment for training and playing is still very very high and that's why he keeps doing it.
“I think the boys will enjoy it probably more than Eddie because he doesn't like the attention and in fact sometimes he seems a bit embarrassed about it but we love him and we love celebrating that milestone for him.
“He will be saying, ‘Guys, don't worry about me. It's all about the result and all about playing well on the day so focus on that.’ That's what he will be thinking and probably saying to the group.”
The Tokyo 2020 silver medallists begin their campaign on Sunday against Argentina.
For Eddie, the novelty of the Olympics has not faded despite his experience.
“There is a lot of good energy around the team,” he said on arrival in Paris.
“We are very excited to be here. One of the most exciting times is when you start travelling and you get to the Village, see the rooms and all the gear.
“Every single Games has felt very different. Different teams and different groups, four years is such a long time, there is so much in between it.
“When you get around to the Olympics, it is a whole new feeling and experience.”
Paris marks 20 years since the Kookaburras won a gold medal at the Athens Games.
Eddie made his Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008 and has two bronze and a silver to his name. The fact that an Olympic gold is missing from his stellar career resume is motivation for him.
“I want to win a gold medal,” he said. “I would imagine if we had won the gold medal in Tokyo that I'd be feeling the same way.
“I want to go and win, irrespective of what's happened before.
“Tokyo was a really good experience. We wish it was a little bit different but a lot of positives and we can learn from it.
“There's definitely things that we can improve on and hope to do that.”
The Kookaburras first game is against Argentina on 27 July.
This article was originally written for The Australian Olympic Team. You can read the published version here
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