Reaching a landmark in hockey caps is always a special moment. The first 50, 100, 150 caps are all special, but at this year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014, there are some players who have represented their country a phenomenal number of times. The time, dedication and sacrifice necessary to make it as an elite athlete is enormous, and then the ability to keep consistently performing at that level over a number of years calls for incredible determination. Here are four people who may be reaching notable landmarks during their time at The Hague.
| Casey Eastham, AustraliaAustralia’s Casey Eastham enters the Hockey World Cup having just made the 200-cap mark. The two-time Olympian helped the Hockeyroos to a second-place finish at the World League Finals and was pivotal in the gold-medals wins at the 2013 World League Semi-Finals, 2012 Champions Challenge and 2010 Commonwealth Games. | |
| Tina Bachman, GermanyAt 35-years-old, Germany’s Tina Bachmann will boast 250 caps to her name during this World Cup. The three-time Olympian would love to add a World Cup title to her collection. After a two-year absence, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist returned to the international stage in 2013 and has continued to be defensive stalwart for Die Danas. | |
| Matias Paredes, ArgentinaArgentina’s Matias Paredes will also be able to boast 250 caps at this year’s World Cup. Matias began his international career in 2001 and has competed in the 2004 and 2012 Olympics. He was twice nominated as FIH Young Player of the Year. | |
| Miao Lin, UmpireAbout to earn the prestigious Golden Whistle award for her 100th international is umpire Miao Lin. The Chinese official began in 2005, became a member of the World Panel in 2013 and enters the 2014 World Cup with 98 internationals. With two Olympic games, six Champions Trophies and soon to be two World Cups under her belt, Miao Lin will become the 34thwomen’s official to earn the Golden Whistle. She will also be the first Chinese umpire, men’s or women’s, to receive the honour. |
Source and Photo: FIH