We all tend to have a favourite hockey player we can label as our elite superstar. However that superstar status is under threat by two hockey stars. They are our oldest recorded, active male and female hockey players. The world’s oldest female competitive hockey player is Maria Larsen who is 80 years old and Robert Adams who graces the field at the age of 84.
Marie Larsen, 80, played in 2014, as right-wing for the Tuggeranong Vikings hockey team, in Canberra, Australia.
Maria Larsen displays her certificate declaring her the world’s oldest competitive female hockey player. Photo ABC News
She started playing more than 65 years ago at Lismore in northern New South Wales while aged in her teens. Over her career Ms Larsen has played in most positions and even represented the ACT at a national level. The Guinness World Record holder told 666 ABC Canberra she is not feeling as light on the field as she once did. “The bones are getting a little bit creaky, but still I’m all right. You just get in there and do what you have to” she said.
Photo; ABC News
Ms Larsen has been playing hockey for 65 years. She played in the Women’s State League five competition, where she joined teammates who are often less than half her age. She started thinking about retirement after suffering a minor stroke in early 2014. So what about 2015? Ms Larsen is still planning to turn up for umpiring duties and to pass on her tips to any juniors in need of advice.
The next oldest competitive female hockey player in the world is 76 years old.
Photo: Liverpool echo
Robert Adams, 84, a retired teacher in England, played his Guineas Book of World Records breaking match with West Derby Hockey Club’s 3rd team against Wigan side Golborner in the North West Hockey League. Robert’s effort enabled him to surpass the current world record which was held by an 83-year-old New Zealander. That record stood for around five years.
Source: adapted ABC News / Liverpool Echo News
