Moscow 1980 was the first time that women's field hockey was contested in the Olympics; four years later Julie Staver helped Team USA win the bronze medal.
Field hockey is an Olympic sport showcasing athletes’ exceptional skills, speed, and teamwork that define the sport. This thrilling competition captivates audiences globally with fast-paced action, strategic play, and remarkable athleticism.
Field hockey has roots in England, where it emerged as a formalized sport in the mid-19th century. Both genders play the sport, approximately, 51% of the world’s 30 million players being female and 49% male.
U.S.A. field hockey was formed in 1922 for women by the United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA) and in 1928 for men by the Field Hockey Association of America (FHAA). In 1993, the two organizations merged together to form a unified governing body.
Field hockey in the Olympics stands as a premier platform where the world’s elite teams come together to compete at the highest level. The Olympic Program first introduced the sport in London in 1908, though it wasn’t included in the subsequent Games. It returned in 1920 but became a permanent fixture starting with the 1928 Games.
The Olympic Committee did not introduce the women’s game as an Olympic sport until the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. The Rules Committee, working under the FIH (or International Federation of Hockey), creates the sport’s rules and regulations.
To play, two teams of 11 players each compete on a rectangular turf field. Using the flat side of their sticks, players hit, dribble, and control the ball to score by getting it past the opponent’s goalkeeper and into the goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Historically, India, the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia have the top international rankings for men’s Olympic field hockey. The Netherlands, Australia, and Argentina have the most success in women’s Olympic field hockey.
India won 8 golds in Olympic men’s field hockey, holding the most gold medals in the Olympic history of the sport. The Netherlands dominates women’s field hockey, winning multiple gold medals, most recently at Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. They also continue to maintain the top FIH ranking.
Team USA women’s field hockey took home a bronze medal at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games. Co-captain Julie Staver played a key role in securing Team USA’s sole Olympic medal in this sport. The U.S. men’s team has competed less frequently and hasn’t yet medaled at the Olympics.
As of today, field hockey is not included as a Paralympic sport. However, a modified version known as ParaHockey or Hockey ID has gained popularity within the para-sports community. Hockey ID (intellectual disability) is governed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and played by athletes with intellectual disabilities.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum offers parking in the adjacent Park Union District lot for $7.50 per-day. Metered parking is also available on Sierra Madre and Vermijo.
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