Argentine Hockey Legend Laura Maiztegui Reflects on Historic Sydney Medal & Unlikely Number 13
SYDNEY,AUSTRALIA – Laura Maiztegui,a cornerstone of Argentina‘s groundbreaking field hockey team,recently shared reflections on the nation’s first Olympic medal in the sport,secured at the 2000 Sydney Games. Beyond the silver medal itself, maiztegui spoke of a nationwide surge in the sport’s popularity and a personal connection to the number 13, which she wore during the pivotal tournament.
“We went to fight for a medal, but everything that came later is something much greater than a medal, the growth that was nationwide,” Maiztegui stated.”Sport was something that, at least, I never imagined it.”
The athlete recounted a serendipitous acquisition of the number 13 jersey. “Very rare number 13 because I don’t really know why it was free and I fell [for] it. It was very nice to have it. I think it was not used later, it is more of the goalkeeper. I don’t know if there are many players who have used the number 13 as a field player. Then it was also marked.”
Maiztegui, who spent five years with the national team, emphasized the importance of relentless effort. “I knew that I always had to be 100, always try to have a plus to be able to be…you have to fight until the last moment and then sometimes things occur and sometimes no longer, but always feel that you left everything.” She acknowledged that dedication doesn’t guarantee selection, but maintaining a clear conscience is paramount. “The crucial thing is to be calm that you gave everything you had to give.”
Currently involved with her longtime club, Gonnet, in various capacities – former player, captain, coordinator of youth programs, and now a leadership role – Maiztegui expressed a desire to give back. “In the club I was a player and captain of the first, after retiring, I spent many years in the second, also as a coordinator in inferiors and today collaborating from the leadership side. I try to be able to contribute and that is all who are, contribute a little of what gave us and be able to return it.”
