Four Kiwi hockey officials bound for Paris Olympics

In a showcase of global talent, twenty-four of the world's top hockey umpires have been selected to officiate at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris – and Hockey New Zealand are proud to have four officials among them.

Cantabrian Gareth Greenfield, who is set to make his Olympic debut, expressed his excitement, stating, "For me, it's been a dream to get there. When you start umpiring and understand what it takes to get there, to then be at the pinnacle is pretty exciting." 

Palmerston North Boys' teacher Dave Tomlinson is looking forward to returning to the Olympic stage. After a disrupted debut in Tokyo due to the pandemic, Tomlinson is ready to experience the Games as they were meant to be. "It wasn't what you'd expect as an Olympic Games so to be going to Paris, having dreamt about an Olympics, and watched it growing up will be special," he said. It's also a chance to be on sport's biggest stage with Greenfield, who he first met umpiring a Hatch Cup final some 27 years ago.

For Gisborne's Amber Church, it'll be her third Olympics – but her first where there's been gender parity among match officials, with the International Hockey Federation selecting 12 women and 12 men.  "It means a lot. In hockey, there's no longer a barrier of gender in terms of umpiring," she said. The Kiwi trio are respected globally, having gained their 'golden whistles' for bringing up 100 international matches.

Completing the group is Sarah Garnett. Garnett has been to two Olympics as an umpire and this will be her second as an Umpire Manager. “To get that email from the International Hockey Federation to say that you have been appointed to the Paris Olympic Games as one of the Umpire Managers is unbelievable. The Olympics is the pinnacle appointment of any sporting event and it’s the most amazing feeling. I feel very privileged and honoured.”
Their selection underscores New Zealand’s ongoing presence in the world of hockey officiating. The four set off for Paris on 20th July and Hockey New Zealand wish them the best of luck.