Gemma Flynn facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 2 May 1990 Tauranga, New Zealand |
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| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Striker/Midfield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Midlands | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008– | New Zealand | 246 | (71) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| Last updated on: 15 January 2017 (national) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gemma McCaw (born Gemma Flynn on 2 May 1990) is a famous New Zealand field hockey player. She has proudly represented her country in three Summer Olympic Games: in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
Gemma's Early Life
Gemma McCaw was born in Tauranga, New Zealand. She is the youngest child and only daughter of Rob and Michelle Flynn. Gemma is of Māori descent and is connected to the Te Arawa tribe.
She went to Tauranga Intermediate School and Tauranga Girls' College. Later, she studied sports science at Massey University.
Her Hockey Career
Gemma started playing for the New Zealand women's national field hockey team, known as the Black Sticks Women, in 2008. She played for the team in the 2008, 2012 Summer Olympics, and 2016 Summer Olympics. She also competed in the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
In 2009, Gemma was nominated for the FIH Women's Young Player of the Year award. This award recognizes the best young female hockey player in the world. At both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, her team finished in fourth place. They lost the game for the bronze medal. In 2015, she was part of the team that reached the final of the FIH World League. However, they lost the final game 5–1 to Argentina.
After the 2016 Summer Olympics, Gemma took a long break from hockey. She later decided to retire from the sport. But in November 2019, she made a comeback! In February 2020, she played her 250th game for the national team. Gemma had planned to play in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. However, the Olympics were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, she decided not to compete.
Outside of Hockey
Gemma McCaw is also known for her work outside of hockey. She joined other famous New Zealanders like Luuka Jones and Kane Williamson. They were part of the "No Place Like Home" tourist campaign for the Bay of Plenty. This campaign started in January 2016.
In October 2016, Gemma became an ambassador for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. This means she helps to raise awareness and support for the foundation. She is also an ambassador for Sport New Zealand. This role involves promoting sports and physical activity across the country.
Gemma's Personal Life
In 2013, news came out that Gemma Flynn was dating All Blacks captain Richie McCaw. The All Blacks are New Zealand's famous rugby team. In 2014, she moved to Christchurch to be with him.
They got engaged in early 2016 and were married on 14 January 2017. Gemma and Richie now have three daughters. Their daughters were born in December 2018, May 2021, and April 2023.
