The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has celebrated the career of hockey great Eddie Ockenden, following today’s announcement of his retirement from international competition.
The Tasmanian leaves an incredible legacy, as Australia’s first five-time Olympian in hockey, a three-time Olympic medallist and Australian Olympic Team Flag Bearer at his final Games in Paris.
With a record 451 caps over nearly two decades with the Kookaburras, Eddie co-captained the team to silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games, along with bronze at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
AOC President Ian Chesterman paid tribute to Eddie’s enduring impact on the Olympic movement.
“Eddie is a remarkable person and has etched an incredible record in sport,” Mr Chesterman said.
“He has a special place in our Olympic history as a five-time Olympian, a three-time medallist and a Flag Bearer.
“His impact on his sport of hockey has been enormous. His longevity is really quite staggering. His leadership and the example he set were always exemplary.
“I wish him the very best for his next chapter and I’m sure he will make an ongoing contribution to the sport he loves so much and to the Olympic movement more broadly.”
Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares congratulated Eddie on an outstanding career.
“Eddie personifies the character and spirit of an Australian Olympian and Flag Bearer,” Ms Meares said.
“His humility will always remain with me as will the impact he made on hockey in Australia and the greater Australian Olympic Team throughout a career that spanned five Games.
“Eddie’s dedication to his craft, his leadership on and off the field, and his humility in both victory and defeat reflect the very best of Australian values.
“To have represented Australia on the Olympic stage five times, including as Flag Bearer in Paris, is an incredible feat, but to do so with such humility is what makes Eddie truly remarkable.
“He gave everything as a dedicated team player and I thank him for everything he has done. Eddie leaves behind a legacy not just of medals and championships but of inspiring a generation.
“We wish Eddie and his family every success and happiness as he steps into the next chapter of his life.”
Eddie Ockenden's Olympic History
- Five Olympics – Beijing 2008 (bronze), London 2012 (bronze), Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 (silver), Paris 2024
- First five-time hockey Olympian for Australia
- Australian Olympic Team Flag Bearer at Paris 2024
- 451 caps for the Kookaburras – most in Australian hockey history
