Although his playing days are behind him, Teun de Nooijer is one of the giants of hockey. FIH caught up with the Dutch legend to get his views on Hockey 5s and ask him how a young player can go on to achieve greatness.
“I am envious of these kids” was Teun de Nooijer’s first reaction as he looked around the Athlete’s Village. “Back in my day, the Youth Olympics didn’t exist, and to travel around the world at that age, to play against different cultures, to meet other people from all around the world, I think that’s a great opportunity to have, and all the kids enjoy it.”
Teun was at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing as an Athlete Role Model, promoting the Olympic spirit, enjoying all the activities, and of course watching the hockey and identifying stars of the future.
“I have a very busy programme,” said the Dutch superstar. “The Olympic Village is great to be in, to get a feel for the atmosphere, to see the athletes, because in the end, it is about sports, and that is the most fun to watch.”
The hockey legend – a four-time Olympian, with two gold and two silver medals to his name, as well as a gold World Cup medal and a host of other titles – was also getting his first look at the Hockey 5s format.
What did he make of the game? “The sport is so quick. I watched the semi-final between Canada and Spain, Spain scored, but after five seconds, Canada scored again. It goes back and forth all the time, and if you’re 3-0 down, 4-0 down, it doesn’t mean you’re not going to win the game anymore. It goes so quickly. For the spectators as well, it is a fantastic game to watch, because there are a lot of goals, there is a lot of excitement, it’s very close.”
Teun added that the game called for high levels of fitness, excellent technique and an ability to play under constant pressure. “There is always an opponent on your heels, and that’s good for the kids who are playing here. I would have loved the opportunity to play this game.”
So the question all the young players would like to know the answer to. “How do you get to be as good as Teun de Nooijer?
“You need to have three physical attributes: speed, skill and fitness, but also it is about team work. To play together, play together as a team, it is a team sport. You perform together, so go for the combinations, because if you play like that, I think in the end, the result will come.”
“And then there is the mental side of the game. At the end of the day, I think it is all about passion, the passion that you have for your sport, the love for the game. If that is there, and you really want something, not just because, but really, really want it, then in the end, you will manage I think.”
