Sharon's Story
West Australian Sharon Patmore was a member of the history-making women’s team in Seoul that won Australia’s first hockey gold medal. The team entered the tournament as one of the medal chances, but facing stiff opposition from reigning world and Olympic champions, the Netherlands, and South Korea, the very popular home team. After strong results in the preliminary round, Australia upset the Dutch favourites 3-2- in the semi-final. This set up a classic final against the Koreans, who had the support of 26,000 fans. After a scoreless first half, goals to Debbie Bowman and Lee Capes secured a famous 2-0 victory for the Aussies.
She also placed fourth at the Los Angeles 1984 Games and fifth at the Barcelona 1992 Games.
Sharon was selected onto the Moscow 1980 Australian Olympic Team but was not able to compete after her sport federation decided to abide by the Government's boycott, and chose not send athletes.
