Michael Brennan

1975 –

Michael Brennan won two medals for Australia in men’s hockey: bronze in 2000 and gold in 2004. Brennan won his first medal at Sydney 2000 when the Kookaburras beat Pakistan 6-3 in the bronze medal final. The Queensland midfielder retired after Sydney, but returned to the sport and won selection for Athens. Australia was second in its group after the preliminary round, then beat Spain 6-3 in the semi-final to advance. In the gold medal final, scores were tied 1-1 at the end of regular time. In the eighth minute of extra time, a golden goal by Jamie Dwyer from a penalty corner gave the Kookaburras a famous victory. The Athens success was Australia’s first gold medal in men’s hockey.