Following the announcement at the weekend that Tokyo would be the host of the 2020 Olympic Games, players, coaches and fans from across the globe have given their reaction to the news on Twitter. The Twittersphere was abuzz when the story first broke, with literally thousands of messages being posted by hockey lovers in every corner of the world.
Australia legend and five times FIH Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer (@JamieDwyer01) said: “Tokyo Olympic Games is going to be amazing. One of my favourite countries."
Dwyer’s comments were echoed by current FIH Player of the Year Moritz Fürste of Germany (@MoritzFuerste), although the former Club de Campo de Madrid player admitted that he felt a degree of sadness that the Spanish capital’s bid had ultimately in failure. “Japan was my all-time favourite trip... Still sad for my spanish friends... #get2024".
England international duo Alex Danson (@AlexDanson15) and Sally Walton (@sallywalton23) were quick to show their delight about Japan’s winning bid. Striker Danson tweeted: “Tokyo 2020 what an amazing venue. Best get saving pennies #holiday!!”, while defender Walton commented: “#2020Olympics to Tokyo..... Congratulations. What a fantastic place to host the games. :)”
Marc Lammers (@MarcLammers) and Jamilon Mülders (@jamimuelders), the respective coaches of Belgium men and Germany women, also gave hugely positive reactions to the news. Lammers described it as being “good for hockey”, while Mülders said it as the “perfect election”.
South Africa ace Austin Smith (@AustinSmith5) wondered if he would still be playing, tweeting: “Tokyo win the bid for the 2020 Olympic Games, that would make me 35 years old...”
Finally, when Hockey Australia asked whether any aspiring young hockey players were hoping to play for the Kookaburras (@kookaburras) or Hockeyroos (@Hockeyroos) at the 2020 Olympic Games, Hockey player and fan Em Matisons (@Emhockeyroo) gave a passionate, heart-felt response: “It's all I think about, it's what I care about.Its where I dream to be #hopefulhockeyroointraining”
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