Berri girl Karri McMahon on path to selection in Hockeyroos’ Rio Olympics team

RIVERLAND Hockeyroo Karri McMahon is just weeks away from confirming her spot at the Rio Olympics - which would cap a four-year rise from talented junior to starting defender.

Karri McMahon in action against Japan in the International Hockey Open.

RIVERLAND Hockeyroo Karri McMahon is just weeks away from confirming her spot at the Rio Olympics - which would cap a four-year rise from talented junior to starting defender.

The 24-year-old is in Darwin for the International Hockey Open, which allows four nations - Australia, Japan, India and New Zealand - to have a final hit-out before the Champions Trophy in London from June 18-26.

The Hockeyroos’ team for Rio will be named on July 4.

McMahon was only 20 at the time of the London Olympics and had only just moved to Perth, on a national scholarship.

“I was involved in the London prep but hadn’t debuted before the Olympic Games, but still trained with the team all the way up until they left,” she said.

“Then I debuted straight after the Games and now it’s been a full four years so at least this time I know I’m in with a chance.”

She says 2014 was her breakthrough season, as she was part of the national team that finished second at the World Cup and first at the Commonwealth Games.

“I had quite good tournaments there and since then I was moved up into the midfield, I’ve been up and down but I got myself really fit in 2014 and it made a huge difference to the way I played,” McMahon said.

“I didn’t have many injuries which helped me to train on the track with the group every day.”

McMahon said the current focus was on team results rather than individual performances but she was feeling confident about her spot in the team.

“Mostly it’s everyone trying to get the team dynamics right, so you have to fit in with the structure,” she said.

“It’s more about the way we play than individuals at this stage because they (selectors) have a fair mind of the team that they do want to take.

“There is never a certain spot in the team but so far so good and (I’m in the) starting line up as well, which is nice.

“Everything is geared towards that (Rio) so it’s always in the back of your mind, it’s very evident and sneaking up quicker than expected but you’ve got to focus on the tournaments that are coming up beforehand.”

McMahon is one of three South Australians in the Hockeyroos squad in Darwin, along with Georgie Parker and Gabrielle Nance. Parker was rested from Tuesday night’s clash with Japan due to a minor knee injury.

When she’s not travelling the world with the team, McMahon is based in Perth but says she does miss her home in Berri to which she escapes at Christmas.

“Quite a bit, more the family but I love going on the river and the really relaxed lifestyle about Berri so it’s always nice to unwind in a country town,” she said.

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Originally published as Berri girl Karri McMahon on path to selection in Hockeyroos’ Rio Olympics team