Injured Hockeyroos star focused on rehab in bid to make Olympics

Sidelined by the first severe injury of her young career, Hockeyroos defender Tatum Stewart is striving to keep her Paris Olympics dream alive.

Tatum Stewart in action for the Hockeyroos.

Hockeyroos young gun Tatum Stewart could be forgiven if she was feeling down right now.

One of the eve of her one-year anniversary as a fully-fledged senior player, Stewart was struck down by an injury that threatens her Paris Olympics dream.

Closing in on an attacking player during a match against India in February Stewart tore the meniscus in her knee as she turned to position herself better to make a challenge for the ball.

“I didn’t really think anything of it straight away,” Stewart said.

“I was running at the player and I was decelerating to get ready to make a challenge.

“I turned and it did feel a bit of strange sensation but that was it, I played on a for little while after before they (coaching staff) took me off.”

Stewart admitted to being anxious when the “strange sensation” was confirmed as a tear.

Her outlook changed however when it was established the injury would not require surgery.

“There was some real anxiety around the injury,” Stewart, 22, said.

“What it would look it, how long would I be out for, would it need surgery.

“I’ve never had a severe injury like this before.

“Thankfully it didn’t require surgery and I’m just doing everything I can to rehabilitate now.

“My goal now is to come back fitter and stronger than I was prior to the injury.

“I absolutely want to be ready for our next tour so that I can put myself in the frame for (Paris) Olympics selection – that would be amazing.”

Tatum Stewart takes possession for the Hockeyroos.

Training looks a lot a different for Stewart now but the defender remains 100 per cent committed to her individual improvement and the Hockeyroos’ cause.

A typical week in the national squad in Perth consists of seven training sessions.

Stewart still attends every session but when her teammates are on the field she is in the gym working on conditioning, strength and rehabilitating her knee.

She also attends every tactical and video session with her teammates.

“I can’t play at the moment but I still have a responsibilities as a good teammate.

“I’m there for every team meeting and tactical session we have as well so that I’m absolutely across everything we are working and focused on – that way I’ll be ready to go when I can get on the field again.”

Tatum Stewart celebrates a goal for the Brisbane Blaze celebrates before it was disallowed during the Hockey One League Women's semi-final against Hockey Club Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

Stewart said her focus during rehab was the result of long held beliefs.

Since her days as a Toowoomba hockey junior she has been focused on improving her skills and taking nothing for granted.

“My philosophy as an athlete ever since I was very young has been on learning,” Stewart said.

“Nobody is perfect and in any competitive team sport it would be irresponsible to think that.

“There’s always an opportunity to learn, to improve yourself as an individual player and as a teammate.

“This injury has given me even more time to reflect.

“I’m so grateful to be in this position, playing for the Hockeyroos, not many athletes get this chance.

“I’ve never been one to take anything for granted though … training, playing I’ll always work hard to make sure I earn this chance.”

Originally published as Injured Hockeyroos star focused on rehab in bid to make Olympics