HOCKEY: Alec Rasmussen has played hockey since he could walk and from then has strived to play for Australia.
The Townsville born athlete has played for three states and will now be competing at the 2014 Youth Nanjing Youth Olympic Games.
Rasmussen first represented Queensland as a 12-year-old then went on to play for Northern Territory and has been playing for Western Australia the last two years.
The talented athlete believes his siblings were accountable for his early success.
“I’ve learnt so much from my brother’s mentoring, along with my sisters tips and tricks in the backyard,” the 17-year-old said.
After making the Queensland side as a 12 year old, Rasmussen had his sights on the under 13’s team but a freak injury hindered his chances.
The striker’s ambition and strength to play for his state again was shown during his recovery in 2010.
“My determination to represent my state and eventually my nation was not shifted in the slightest,” Rasmussen said.
Coming back from an injury is tough especially as a teenager and the Queenslander did that. In 2011, he worked tirelessly on his game with his brother and made his way back to top form.
The Rasmussen family then moved to Perth in 2012 to further his hockey career and make the state team. It didn’t all go to plan, he unfortunately didn’t make the WA under 15’s side but then tried his chances and made the Northern Territory outfit to play at the National Championships.
“After my initial disappointment, I became more determined and focused and I found out what was required of me and got some one on one coaching with ex kookaburra Tristram Woodhouse,” Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen’s form was outstanding for NT and he came away as runner-up player of the tournament.
Woodhouse continued to coach the teenager and last year was chosen to play for his third state, the under 18’s Western Australian side.
Since moving to the West, Rasmussen has been lucky enough to play alongside Olympians Matt Ghodes, Fergus Kavanagh and David Guest who is also the coach of the Youth team travelling to Nanjing.
“It is an incredible experience and one that I am extremely grateful for, as I have learnt so much from them and continue to do so,” Rasmussen said.
Western Australia secured Rasmussen for the second time this year to compete at the National Championships in Canberra in April.
“At the national tournament I played some of my best hockey and was the highest goal scorer,” the striker said.
It didn’t take long to show his promise again, securing player of the tournament award at the Melbourne Grammar International Schools Cup.
He then went on to play against Singapore for the WA National Hockey League training squad.
“This was a great learning experience for me and I gained valuable insight into playing at an international level, especially the intimidation tactics some players use,” Rasmussen said.
The Perth resident is about to play in the biggest tournament of his colourful career, representing Australia at the 2014 Youth Olympics.
“An aspiration I’ve held since watching the first Youth Olympics in 2010,” Rasmussen added.
Phillip Brent
olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam
