Olympic Darwin couple to cheer each other on as they play for gold

Darwin’s Olympic hopefuls and long-term partners are gearing up to support each other as they take to the hockey fields in Tokyo.

DARWIN’S Olympic hopefuls and long-term partners are gearing up to support each other as they take to the hockey fields in Tokyo.

Brooke Peris, who competed in the Rio Olympics and first time Olympian Jeremy Hayward were in Darwin for last minute training sessions before attending a training camp in Cairns and jetting off to Tokyo.

The couple are keen to support each other’s teams but won’t be able to cheer from the sidelines due to conflicting playing schedules and Covid-19 restrictions.

Hockey stars Brooke Peris and Jeremy Hayward at a function at Parliament House. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“We’re super proud to be provided this opportunity where we can represent Australia, represent the Territory and represent our families as well so it’s a humbling experience, we can’t wait to get over there,” Hayward said.

“Now we’re doing it together and it makes it even that little bit more special.”

The duo said they would be searching for the nearest television to watch each other play.

Peris said she was proud to be able to see her partner take to the field after he was overlooked for the Rio Olympics team.

“I’m very proud of him and I can’t wait for him to step on the field for his first game, I know how devastating it was last time for him,” she said.

“So it’s been a long time coming and I think I’ll be crying in the warm up, so yeah I really can’t wait for his first game.”

There will also be some extra rivalry on the field too with Hayward’s brother Leon representing New Zealand at the games.

Leon missed out on being selected in the Australian squad but because their mother is a New Zealand resident, he is able to play for them.

Australia plays their first men’s and women’s hockey games on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Follow @JudithAisthorpe