Emily Smith shows full commitment in the Hockeyroos’ win over Germany. Photo: Brendan Esposito.
BY the time this article goes to press, Emily Smith and the rest of the Hockeyroos will know their fate when it comes to advancing into the next stage of the Olympic Games, but there is no denying Emily has given everything she has got to prove she belongs on the international stage.
The Hockeyroos arrived in London with internal hopes of winning a medal, but external expectations of using the Games as a building block towards Rio in 2016.
Smith is the youngest in the squad, having turned 20 on the first day of the Olympics. But she is refusing to use age as an excuse as the Hockeyroos chase their goal.
“I think there still is pressure of having to perform at a young age because you’re at the Olympics, so you are supposed to be one of the best people in your sport,” Smith said.
“At the same time you can’t get overwhelmed when you do make a little mistake or miss the goal by 5cm, which I have done a couple of times.
“I am only 20 and it is my first Olympics and it has been really good. I still want to perform well.”
Smith’s Olympic experience extends beyond the field and the hockey stadium.
Her teammates bought her a cake for her birthday and Australian sporting stars Steve Waugh and Layne Beachley helped her to celebrate. Her Facebook pages have been flooded with messages of support and Smith is embracing the experience.
“The girls made me wear a birthday hat and balloons everywhere so everyone knew what was going on, it was awesome that Steve Waugh and Layne Beachley gave me birthday wishes,” Smith said.
“Now it’s about focus and we’re just doing the job we came here for.” Source The Canberra Times
Source The Canberra Times
