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Injury cruelly denies Tambellup hockey star Penny Squibb the chance to play at Olympic Games in Tokyo

Headshot of Cameron Newbold
Cameron NewboldGreat Southern Herald
Tambellup's Penny Squibb will miss the Olympic Games after sustaining a quad injury.
Camera IconTambellup's Penny Squibb will miss the Olympic Games after sustaining a quad injury. Credit: Melissa Gmeiner/Hockey Australia

A quad injury has cruelly denied Tambellup’s Penny Squibb the chance to represent Australia at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in just a few days, and was forced to withdraw on the eve of the team leaving for Japan at the weekend.

Squibb was set to make her Olympics debut this month but her campaign was ended before reaching the host city, unable to overcome a leg injury sustained in the Hockeyroos pre-Olympic camp in Darwin.

Hockeyroos head coach Katrina Powell and the team’s medical staff gave the 28-year-old defender until as late as possible to prove her fitness, however she was forced to pull out as the team prepared to fly out.

Having worked her way back into the national program and then earn selection in the Olympic team, Squibb said the news was devastating.

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“Unfortunately, my dream was cut short and I won’t be competing in Tokyo,” Squibb said.

“It’s the way sport goes ... you win some, you lose some.

Hockeyroos player Penny Squibb.
Camera IconHockeyroos player Penny Squibb. Credit: AAPIMAGE

“I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this journey up until now and to be a part of this amazing group.”

Squibb has made 14 appearances for her country, recently scoring in a game against New Zealand, and will be sorely missed according to Powell.

“It’s devastating for Penny ... she has worked so hard to get to this point of competing at an Olympics,” Powell said.

“To be denied that chance because of injury is sad not only for her but the team. She will be missed and while she won’t be on the pitch, she knows she is still a valuable part of this team.”

Squibb has been replaced by fellow WA player Georgina Wilson in the Hockeyroos team.

The Hockeyroos’ first match of the games will be against Spain on July 25.

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