Star Hockeyroos defender targets Paris Games after lengthy rehab

Sidelined by a torn meniscus, Tatum Stewart’s Olympics dreams were hanging by a thread. Now the 22-year-old is on the cusp of making a lifelong dream a reality. Discover the injury revelation that has changed how the hockeyroos could look in Paris.

Tatum Stewart in action for the Hockeyroos.

Three months ago Tatum Stewart had very little to celebrate.

The Toowoomba hockey talent was pushing for a Paris Olympics spot when a torn meniscus threatened to shatter her dreams.

Fast forward and Stewart is just a handful of games away from making her Hockeyroos Olympic Games dream a reality.

Stewart has been named as part of a full strength Hockeyroos squad travelling to Europe for the FIH Pro League.

“The past few months have been a pretty hard rehab,” Tatum told Hockey Australia.

“I’m really excited to be back with the group and back on the turf playing and especially to have Penny (Squibb) right next to me at the back, we’ve been rehabbing together and I’m really looking forward to playing with her again.”

Toowoomba's Tatum Stewart celebrates her goal for the Hockeyroos against India. Picture: David Mariuz/ Hockey Australia

The 22-year-old, who played for Rangeville Hockey Club as a junior, said rehab provided an opportunity for her to refocus her energy.

“It’s really made me sit back and reflect on what little things I can do each day so I’ll take that same approach into this leg of the FIH Pro League,” she said.

“Obviously, it’s important for your individual selection but we can’t get the job done in Paris if everybody doesn’t do their best every moment each day.

“That’s all we’re trying to do now, just focus on the present and then selection will be what it will be.”