HOCKEY: Flame-grilled chicken, heartbroken text messages to his supporters and the condolence of his girlfriend is how Josh Beltz spent the evening after learning he'd missed selection in the Kookaburras team for the Tokyo Olympics.
The Hobart-born defender had dreamed of representing his country ever since he first picked up a stick as a schoolboy on the grass fields in Cornelian Bay.
But despite notching 46 caps for Australia and being a member of the side which won the 2016 Champions Trophy, Olympic selection eluded him.
Beltz was one of 11 players to be left off the Kookaburras’ 16-player team for Tokyo and the Tasmanian was devastated.
“There were a lot of mixed emotions, the main was disappointment, it definitely felt like my chance had passed for at least the Tokyo Olympics,” he confessed.
“I was at home by myself, I messaged a few people that are close to me and let them know that the result didn’t go my way.
“I caught up with another guy, Corey Weyer, who didn’t make the team as well. When my girlfriend Hilary came home from work, we spoke it out – she’s been a massive support throughout the whole thing – not that she could say much but just having her there was help enough.”
Ever the team man, and with a childhood sporting dream still incomplete, he wallowed for an evening before returning to training – a move that proved wise.
Within weeks of that fateful night, Beltz had earned a position as a reserve for the Kookaburras, and unlike previous Olympics Games, there was an outside chance to play thanks to an IOC rule change in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At previous Olympics, reserves could only replace a player in the team of 16 if they were injured or suffered an illness. Reserves were not able to stay in the Olympic Village and would only be called in at another player’s misfortune.
However, in Tokyo teams are entitled to reconstitute their teams ahead of every match, according to a timing and process to be determined on a sport-specific basis. This means while the number of players for matches remains at 16, teams have the ability to pick from a list of 18 before each match.
For Beltz, that moment happened on Sunday night, when he was called into the side to play the Kookaburras’ second Pool match against India.
And there are no surprises how he celebrated. His first text messages were to parents Tracey and Stuart and younger brother Hayden back in Tassie, and of course, his ever-supportive girlfriend Hilary Goldsmith, who is a doctor at King Edward’s Hospital in Perth.
“We had a match briefing the morning before our game and Colin came up and told me beforehand that I would be playing,” he said.
“It was so good to see my name on the whiteboard.
“With the hype that goes on around the Olympics, I had to be careful about sharing too much information but those nearest and dearest to me, I let know I would be on the field.
“The highlight so far was telling Hilary, my parents and younger brother I was going to be out there representing Australia at the Olympics.
“Of the last whirlwind 24 hours, seeing how they have reacted, along with the support from the Tasmanian and wider Australian hockey community, has been humbling.”
When Beltz took to the pitch at the Oi Hockey Stadium, not only did he realise a lofty schoolboy dream, but he did it alongside his idol, co-captain and fellow Tasmanian Eddie Ockenden.
His role model’s advice before the match, “just do your job”.
Beltz did exactly that, scoring from a reverse stick in the 26th minute of the match to give the Kookaburras a 4-0 advantage going into half time and helping to secure the side’s 7-1 win over India.
The world class tomahawk goal was just his fourth in 47 international outings for the Kookaburras and sealed a dream Olympic debut after what was a rollercoaster ride to compete at the pinnacle of his sport.
“I can’t remember too much about it,” Beltz said, in words that remind of Ash Barty’s Wimbledon victory speech.
“I pride myself on my defensive game and let what happens with the ball happen.
“I don’t score too many goals, so to get one at the Olympics is something I will treasure forever.”
The Kookaburras face Argentina tomorrow at 9.30am local time and Beltz will be hoping he continues to have the opportunity to play his part on the pitch for the Kookaburras in their quest for gold.
Catriona Dixon
