What a difference a year makes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In May last year Wollongong hockey star Flynn Ogilvie was down in the dumps after a major leg injury had him seriously questioning his future in the sport.
This week the 24-year-old was proudly showing off his Commonwealth Games gold medal to his nieces, when he dropped by Port Kembla Community Preschool.
Ogilvie played a leading role for Australia, helping the Kookaburra’s secure an unprecedented sixth straight Commonwealth Games hockey gold medal.
Fellow Illawarra product Blake Govers also made the cut, but was a late injury withdrawal, making Ogilvie the region’s sole male hockey representative on the Gold Coast.
And, despite only returning from a long-term injury lay-off himself in January this year, Ogilvie produced the goods to help Australia top their group.
He also played his part as the Kookaburras’ downed rivals England 2-1 in the semi-finals before continuing their extraordinary 20-year Commonwealth Games gold medal streak with a punishing 2-0 win over New Zealand in the final.
”It was a fantastic experience,” Ogilvie said.
“The Games were definitely a highlight of my career. It is the biggest tournament I’ve played for the Kookaburras.”
Having most of his family drop by the Gold Coast to watch him play for Australia made it extra special.
“A lot of my family hadn’t been able to see me play live for Australia so having them in the crowd was fantastic,” he said.
“Mum and dad were there for the whole tournament. It was nice to be able to play in front of them and obviously be part of a gold medal winning team.”
The former University of Wollongong hockey player said the “crazy” semi-final win over England was also special.
Up 2-1, Australia was reduced to eight outfield players for the final seven minutes after two yellow cards to Daniel Beale and Tom Craig.
“Holding on to win that gave us even more confidence going into the final,” Ogilvie said.
Ogilvie, who tore his hamstring off the bone in May last year, said he was enjoying being home to recover both physically and mentally.
“I’m feeling much better compared to where I was in January. But it’s been good to have a little rest,” he said.
“I’ll head back to Perth in a couple of weeks to prepare for the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands in late June.
“We will also have some minor tournaments in Australia later this year ahead of the World Cup in December.”