Australian hockey great Ric Charlesworth will form part of a selection panel to determine the Olympic fates of Rachael Lynch and Georgie Morgan.
Charlesworth, who led Hockeyroos and Kookaburras teams to multiple titles, was confirmed on the women’s four-strong national selection panel by Hockey Australia.
Charlesworth, who guided the Hockeyroos to Olympic gold in 1996 and 2000, will sit alongside new head coach Katrina Powell and assistant coaches Katie Allen and Jeremy Davy.
Charlesworth’s position will run until August 17 post Tokyo while he will also work with the coaching staff as a mentor, offer support and advice, assisting with scouting and preparation for the Olympic Games.
Charlesworth said: “The Hockeyroos have always been close to my heart and I believe we owe the athletes their best chance in Tokyo.
“After some turbulent months it will be a challenge to quickly understand the group. This will necessarily entail closely observing their games, training and interactions.
“I believe I can do this while also being available as a sounding board for the coaches. My position should allow me to also play a mentoring role.
“Of course my primary focus will be on ensuring we have the best team working together to achieve in Tokyo.”
Powell, who played under Charlesworth in the successful 1996 and 2000 Olympic campaigns, said she was excited about having him involved.
“Being in just my third week in charge of the Hockeyroos and with the Olympics so close, having Ric come in as a selector and a support for us as a coaching group is going to be hugely beneficial,” said Powell.
“As a collective I am confident we will select and work with the team that has the best chance of being successful in Tokyo.”
The quarter will be tasked with whittling down the Australia squad for Tokyo, as well as deciding if Morgan and Lynch can return to the Hockeyroos Olympic squad.
