Sandy Pisani, hockey gold medallist, dies at 63

Olympian and South Australian hockey legend Sandy Pisani is being remembered as “fiercely loyal” and a true competitor after her death at 63.

Olympian and South Australian hockey legend Sandy Pisani is being remembered by her family as “fiercely loyal” and a true competitor.

Ms Pisani, who was one of Australia’s first hockey gold medallists, died on Tuesday at St Andrews Hospital after a two-year battle with cancer.

Ms Pisani represented Australia more than 100 times on the hockey pitch in the 1980s, including at two Olympics.

She captained the Hockeyroos from 1985 to 1986 and was a member of the team’s historic gold medal-winning run at the 1988 games in Seoul.

Ms Pisani received an Order of Australia after her retirement in 1989 for her service to hockey.

She was a life member of Hockey SA and was inducted into the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame in 2015.

From 1993 to 2000, she was the head selector for the Hockeyroos during a period where they won two Olympic gold medals at the Barcelona games in 1996 and on home soil at the Sydney games in 2000.

Sandy Pisani in 1983.

Hockey player Sandy Pisani in the mid 1980s.

Ms Pisani’s partner of more than 30 years, fellow Olympian and former Tour Down Under director Mike Turtur, and daughter Elli, confirmed the news.

“We are deeply saddened to advise that our beautiful Sandy has passed away early this morning surrounded by her loving family,” Ms Pisani’s family said in a statement.

“She loved her family and friends with great passion and heart, (was) fiercely loyal and feisty, compassionate and kind. We will cherish all of our special memories and times shared in our hearts forever.

“We appreciate the love and support bestowed upon us by our family, close friends and both the hockey and cycling fraternity at this incredibly difficult time.”

Ms Pisani will be farewelled at a ceremony in coming days.

Mike Turtur with Sandy Pisani at The Advertiser-Channel 7 Sports Star of the Year awards in 1996.