Australian men’s hockey player, Jacob “Whetty” Whetton, who studied at Clairvaux Mackillop College in Mt Gravatt, is set to make his third Olympic appearance at the Paris 2024 Games. At 33, Whetton brings a wealth of experience to the Kookaburras, having amassed over 200 caps for the national team since his debut in 2011.
Whetton’s Olympic journey began in Rio 2016, where he made his debut on the world’s biggest sporting stage. However, it was in Tokyo 2020 where he tasted his first Olympic success, securing a silver medal after a nail-biting penalty shootout loss to Belgium in the gold medal match.
Known for his trademark zinc cream – a nod to late Australian cricket star Andrew Symonds – Whetton has been a consistent force in the Kookaburras’ recent successes. He played a crucial role in Australia’s gold medal victories at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and again in Birmingham 2022, where he scored twice in a dominant 7-0 win over India in the final.
Whetton’s path to Paris included strong performances in the 2023 Hockey World Cup and the Oceania Cup, where he helped secure Australia’s Olympic qualification. His recent domestic success with the Brisbane Blaze in the Hockey One league further cements his status as a key player for the national team.
As the Kookaburras aim to improve on their silver medal performance from Tokyo, Whetton’s experience and scoring ability will be crucial. The team, under the guidance of coach Colin Batch, will be looking to claim Australia’s first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since 2004.
Whetton’s journey from the Eastern Suburbs Tigers junior club to potentially being a three-time Olympian is a testament to his dedication and skill. As the Paris Games approach, all eyes will be on this veteran player to see if he can help lead the Kookaburras to Olympic glory.
Published 18-July-2024
