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| August 07, 2008 | Thursday | Sha’aban 4, 1429 |
Blow for Hockeyroos as Johnson exits
BEIJING, Aug 6: Australian women’s field hockey striker Fiona Johnson was on Tuesday ruled out of the Beijing Olympics with a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to the title clashing Hockeyroos.
“Johnson has been ruled out of her first Olympic Games, but will remain in Beijing to support her team-mates,” the Australian Olympic Committee said in a statement.
Shelly Liddelow, a 23-year-old forward, will replace Johnson in the 16-member squad.
Hockeyroos head coach Frank Murray said Johnson’s decision to stay in Beijing will bring a positive influence on the squad.
“She wants to be here and that is a positive move,” he said. “She is part of the junior leadership group and has a future, not only as a player but as a leader in this team long term.”
The Hockeyroos, one of the most successful teams in field hockey history, are looking for their fourth Olympic title after failing to win a medal at Athens four years ago.—AFP
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