With The Kookaburras cranking up the heat over in London, it’s only fair that we take a look at one of our local heroes participating in the games – Kookaburras Striker Glenn Turner.

Glenn grew up in Bowral – and according to the AOC website, started playing Hockey after “a bet between his father and their neighbours in Bowral. Turner's father played rugby league but their neighbours played hockey. They made a bet that whoever's team finished higher that year, then the two sons who were both the same age would play that sport.”

Good Choice.

Since making his international debut in 2009, Glenn has been a part of the Kookaburra’s wining 2010 World Title campaign, earnt himself a Gold Medal  at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, and scored 60 goals in less than 80 appearances for the Green and Gold.

Glenn in action – Pic Canberra Times.

After tasting major success, Glenn underwent major Hip surgery last year to repair damaged cartilage.

Recovery, and the associated pain, has been following him since, and even stopped him from attending the London opening Ceremony, wary of being on his feet for too long – as he told the Canberra Times: 

‘‘There are some days it’s good and there are some days it’s not, I didn’t march because I was stiff from training and you’re on your feet for so long’’

‘‘Through this you’ve got to be switched on with your recovery and do the right thing and it’s definitely not going to be holding me back. Some days it is worse than others, but everyone is playing this tournament and I’ll get through it.”

Despite their dominance of International Hockey over the past ten years, Turner will be helping Australia try to capture only their second Gold ever – But the way they’re winning at the moment, it’s looking good!

Go Glenn!

The Kookaburras steel themselves for another match. Pic - Australian Olympic Team Website.

To Track Glenn’s (and the rest of the team) performance in London, see his AOC Profile!