The International women’s hockey audience will miss seeing the world’s all time greatest women’s player, Luciana Amyar, in action following the finish of the 2014 Champions Tournament.
Luciana Aymar in flight
Argentina women’ hockey gave their favourite daughter Luciana Aymar a fairytale ending to what can only be described as a magnificent career when Argentina defeated Australia in the recently completed Champions Tournament final in Mendoza Argentina. Yes in front of her home crowd who idolize this gracious but lethal lady who has been dubbed by her Argentina population as the Maradonna of hockey. When talking to a former Hockeyroo recently about Luciana she was full of praise of her and recalled how when she was on a international tour to Argentina that it was not uncommon to see her picture on billboards as they drove through the streets of Argentina.
Luciana Amyar the sought after model
Luciana Aymar is the only player to be awarded FIH world player of the year eight times. Her decision to retire at the age of 37 years might seem to be a valid reason but far from it, when you consider at this Champions Tournament event she was named the best player for her position.
“I decided over time and after many discussions with coaches and managers,” Luciana told reporters. “I never thought I would reach this point because one imagines that I have many tournaments ahead. Before the tournament she said “It’s going to be very emotional because I know it will be the last. There will be moments of joy, but also sadness”. As it turned out it was full of elation as the tournament win in her own country put the icing on the cake.
So what is installed “Beyond my performance, I have decided to have fun, enjoy the people and that people enjoy me and my game. I want it to be a party in every way.”
Over a 15-year period, the 37-year-old won two World Cups in 2002 and 2010 and five Champions Trophy gold, while only the Olympic title eluded Luciana. In all she collected two silver and two bronze, spanning over four Olympic Games. Luciana has more than 350 international caps and in excess of 150 goals for her country.
As witnessed in the video and throughout her playing career Luciana had incredible ball skills, at times she was literally untouchable. With her long reach she could move the ball at great distances with lightning quick hands and at angles which made it difficult to read. Her pace allowed her to change a game in a split second, turning defence into attack with a blink of an eye and her incredible vision meant she knew just when to play someone else in. Her work rate and defensive work was often overlooked, but she’d always seem to be wherever the ball was.
Luciana’s contribution to hockey has been celebrated with a film documentary to be released. At a recent press conference at the Champions Tournament, when asked about the pending documentary stated; “I had the dream, but I never thought my life would become the dream,” said Luciana
Photo: PH: Rodrigo Jararamillotodos los derech reservados.-)
When the documentary entitled Lucha: Jugando con el impossible, is released next year legions of Luciana Aymar fans will be able to watch their idol, both on the hockey pitch and in her everyday life. I know this hockey writer will be watching in awe of her years of showing her extraordinary ability as the world’s best women’s player.
Source: various
