James Elmer

1971 –

James ‘Jimmy’ Elder won a won a bronze medal for Australia in men’s hockey at Sydney 2000. The Kookaburras were unlucky not to reach the gold medal final. In the semi-final, the opponent was the Netherlands, the defending champion. Outstanding defence from both teams meant the scores were locked 0-0 at the end of the game, so a penalty shoot-out was required. The first nine penalties were converted, but a fine save by the Dutch keeper from Brent Livermore gave the Netherlands a 5-4 win. The team then showed tremendous spirit to rebound for its bronze medal final, beating Pakistan 6-3 in an outstanding display. Elmer’s older brother Lachlan won two medals for Australia in men’s hockey: silver in 1992 and bronze in 1996.