Eddie Ockenden announces his retirement from international hockey

A five-time Olympian has made his final appearance for the Kookaburras after announcing his international retirement.

Five-time Olympian and Kookaburras great Eddie Ockenden has retired from international hockey.

Ockenden, 37, made 451 appearances for Australia in a decorated 18-year international career.

“It feels like my whole career has gone by in a flash,” he said.

“There are so many great memories with good friends, and I just feel like I’ve been really lucky to be able to do what I love for so long.”

Ockenden’s honours include a silver and two bronze Olympic medals and four Commonwealth Games gold medals,

He will also retire from Kookaburras duty as a seven-time Champions Trophy winner.

Eddie Ockenden (left) and Jessica Fox were Australia’s flag bearers at this year’s Paris Olympics. Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

“There’s always a lot of ups and downs in professional sport, and when I reflect on my career it’s the overarching love for the sport which I realise is what kept me going,” Ockenden said.

“I learnt to love the difficult parts and to enjoy everything about it, including tough days at training, because it’s not all just winning.

“Success on the last game of the final day is rare and difficult to do. I just loved playing hockey and being a part of the Kookaburras, and I feel lucky I was able to do it at all really.”

Ockenden also had the honour of being Tasmania’s first Olympic Games Opening Ceremony flag bearer in Paris this year.

“There was a lot to like about 2024,” he said.

“I still can’t wrap my head around carrying the flag for Australia in Paris and at my fifth Olympic Games.

“Being able to represent the community and the sport that I love so much was a proud moment.”

Ockenden will now return home to live in Hobart with his partner Lou and their three sons.

“I’ve always wanted to move back to Tasmania, and the kids are at a good age to move right now. We just knew it was time to move home,” he said.

Originally published as Eddie Ockenden announces his retirement from international hockey