Tassie hockey star Josh Beltz returns home to give back to the sport that’s given him so much

After his “rollercoaster” ride at the Tokyo Olympics, Kookaburras defender Josh Beltz has returned to his home state of Tasmania to hold a series of hockey clinics for kids.

Kookaburras’ defender Josh Beltz warms up with some tunes before a session in the Darwin heat before heading off to Japan for the 2020 Olympics. Picture: Che Chorley

Kookaburras’ star Josh Beltz was preparing to play in the gold medal game against Belgium at this year’s Tokyo Olympics when he received a text.

His mum had sent him a photo.

It showed Beltz at just nine years old, with a gold medal draped around his neck, standing beside a crouching man with a beaming smile on his face.

That man was fellow Tasmanian hockey player Matthew Wells, a three-time Olympian who played in the only Kookaburras squad to win gold – at Athens in 2004.

Josh Beltz passes the ball during the Pool A match between Australia and Spain on day seven of the Tokyo Olympic Games, at Oi Hockey Stadium, on July 30, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Picture: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images.

He’d returned to his home town of Hobart to hold a hockey clinic for kids, where those in attendance could also get a close look at his medal. The young Beltz was then a student at Rosetta Primary School, just as Wells had been.

“All the Tassie hockey players going to play for Australia when I was growing up – I looked up to (them),” Beltz tells TasWeekend.

“When I was a little kid and Matt Wells … brought back his Olympic gold medal and then (Kookaburras captain) Eddie (Ockenden) after Beijing and London came back and had his bronze medals, as well – I remember seeing those medals and being really inspired and thinking it was pretty cool.”

A young Josh Beltz, now a Kookaburras defender, with Olympian and former Kookaburras star Matthew Wells in 2004. Beltz is pictured wearing Wells' gold medal from the Athens Olympics that year. Picture: SUPPLIED

Now, Beltz has come full circle, having recently returned to Australia himself following a successful Olympic campaign, and is preparing to hold several hockey clinics of his own in Hobart this weekend.

“I thought I’d grab the opportunity to be able to do the same thing and give back a little bit to the Tassie hockey community,” he says.

Beltz and his Kookaburras teammates didn’t achieve their ultimate goal in Tokyo, enduring a heartbreaking loss to Belgium in the gold medal game, decided by a penalty shootout.

But the 26-year-old says the experience is serving as motivation for the young and talented group, as they train for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year.

“Not many people get to go to the Olympics – even fewer get to go and win a medal, and a silver medal at that and play in a gold medal match,” Beltz says.

Joshua Beltz in action during the Men's Semi-Final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Hockey event at Oi Hockey Stadium. Picture: Adam Head

“And I’m very proud to be able to bring a medal home and show kids an Olympic medal. But then … not being able to win Olympic gold, which is what we trained for and wanted to do, still stings a little bit.”

Beltz, who is now based in Western Australia, says he’d resigned himself to missing out on the Olympics this year, after he wasn’t named in the initial 16-man squad.

He was, however, selected as a reserve, and, after the International Olympic Committee tweaked some rules to allow coaches to substitute their reserves into games in the event of injury, an opportunity presented itself.

“When we got over there, I didn’t play the first game but then was lucky enough to play every game after that through, unfortunately, a few minor injuries in the team and a bit of form, as well,” he says.

“It was a rollercoaster.”

Josh Beltz, centre, with fellow Tasmanian Kookaburras’ teammates Jack Welch, left, and Eddie Ockenden, right. Picture: Luke Bowden

Not a renowned goal scorer, Beltz says he “honestly can’t remember” how he came to bag one against India in his first game in Tokyo. It was just his fourth since debuting for the Kookaburras in 2015.

What he won’t forget, though, is being in the thick of the action in the Olympic Village, rubbing shoulders with international sporting superstars.

“Even though everyone had masks on, seeing different athletes from different countries and the buzz and excitement in the village was a feeling that I want again and hopefully will get at some point,” Beltz says.

Tasmanian Institute of Sport head hockey coach Tim Strapp said Beltz’s ascendancy was a success story that other aspiring Tasmanian hockey players could look to for inspiration.

“It’s great that these players like Josh come back and give back to the local community,” he says.

Josh’s proud parents Tracey and Stuart Beltz who are also heavily involved with local club DiamondBacks. Picture: Chris Kidd

“And running clinics and sharing his knowledge, as well as him utilising some of the local club coaches and local players to help is great.”

While hockey occupies much of Beltz’s life, he’s also studying to become a mechanical engineer, hoping to complete his degree within the next 18 months.

“Hockey’s not going to be around forever and I want to give that the best crack I can while I’m still able to, then still be in a position to achieve some things off the field in the future, as well,” he says.

Josh Beltz playing for his original club DiamondBacks in a local Premier League game against Canterbury at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Strapp notes that hockey isn’t a professional sport in Australia, which is why players are encouraged to pursue dual careers.

“They need to be thinking about life after hockey and, not only that, it helps the balance – just to be constantly doing one or the other isn’t necessarily healthy,” Strapp says.

As Beltz juggles his hockey and his studies, he’s pleased to be able to return to his home state and give a group of kids the same positive experience he had as a youngster.

Perhaps one day some of them will bring home Olympic medals of their own.●

Josh Beltz will hold hockey clinics for young aspiring players on Sunday, October 10, at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Bell St, in New Town. The 11.30am-1.45pm session is open to 14-17 year olds; and the 2pm to 4.15pm session for 8-13 year olds. Each session includes: 1½ hours on the turf, attacking and defending drills, specialist skills, games and more; and a 45-minute Q+A, a signed poster and attendees can also get their photo taken with the medal. Parents are welcome to attend. Attendees will also have the chance to win some Kookaburras’ gear. Any questions please reach out to Josh via: [e-mail]