Back from the Olympics with pride

Former Benoni resident and Northerns Sports Club member Jethro Eustice was a member of the national hockey team selected to compete in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, recently.

And what an experience it was, he told the City Times in an exclusive interview in his hometown upon his return.

From Covid-19 protocols to beating Germany and witnessing Tatiana Skoenmaker claim gold and break a record, Eustice feels his experience could not have been greater.

“We were in Tokyo for about 20 days and had to undergo Covid-19 tests daily, which was not the most attractive thing to do as it was the saliva tests, so spitting into a tube in front of a queue wasn’t the best,” he chuckled.

“Upon arriving at the Olympic Village, there were a few Covid scares, like with the Sevens Rugby team, but it was managed very well.”

Having to wear masks for almost 24 hours a day, Eustice explained what it was like on a day-to-day basis.

“The only time we removed our masks was when we slept, trained, played or ate.

“We were fortunate to take in some sightseeing on certain days during the bus ride to the sporting venue. The driver would take different routes so we were able to see some of the area and take photos through the windows.

“We would also try to get in to watch the other sports, like swimming or athletics, but sometimes be turned away.

If we wanted to get some fresh air, we were allowed to walk outside the village, but just up the street and back again.”

The South African hockey team decided not to take part in the opening ceremony, due to them playing their first match the very next day.

“It was sad not being able to attend, but the best decision for the team,” Eustice said, elaborating on how the process for the opening ceremony worked.

“Each bus would wait and take a team to the venue to enter the stage to do their thing. Then the bus would take them straight back to the village. We saw busses parked there from 19:00 until 22:00, so it was a better idea we didn’t join the opening ceremony.”

Unfortunately, the team also weren’t able to attend the closing ceremony due to their placement and Covid-19 regulations for teams that did not qualify.

“It was a bit sad because if we had placed better we would have been there.

“In previous years, if the team was knocked out you could still stay and take part in the closing ceremony, but due to Covid-19 this year, if you are a team or individual that was knocked out you had to leave Japan.”

This was Eustice’s first Olympic Games but he has competed in two Commonwealth Games before.

“The Olympics was my ultimate goal. I have had the experience of multi-sporting events before, but this was my first Olympics and it was definitely the pinnacle of my career so far.

“The whole experience was great. If the world is a better place in 2024, I would love to go again.

“Our pool consisted of four European top-performing teams and then South Africa and Canada.

“We placed fifth in our pool after claiming a 4-3 win against Germany and then we drew with Canada on the last day, which put us into 10th place.

“If we had beaten Canada, we would have been in ninth and it would have been the best results an SA hockey team has achieved at the Olympics.

“We missed this accolade by 30 seconds.

“One thing we will always remember is to never stop; you have to carry on. However, we stopped because we thought we did enough and ended up letting ourselves down.

“But we did at least claim the best performance a national men’s team has claimed with results but not placing.”
The team received a suitcase of winter and summer clothes and sponsored items from Mr Price, Veldskoen and Oakley.

“It was an incredible experience. We probably only have three players that won’t be in the squad for 2024, but it looks as though we are going to achieve two cycles with the same group,” Eustice said.

“Our country has really suffered from this pandemic. The form for our athletes didn’t peak now. Last year it might’ve but it affected the timeline and it’s all a consequence due to Covid.

“Now we have three years to peak.”
Now living in Hillcrest, Durban, while his family still resides in Farrarmere, Eustice still plays hockey.

“I matriculated in 2007 from Jeppe and in 2008 I moved to Pietermaritzburg for university and then officially to Durban in 2012,” he explained.

“I attended Arbor Primary because my father grew up in Rynfield, while my mother grew up in Klerksdorp, but both of them played for Northerns in the 80s and 90s.

“When my parents played at Northerns, I spent my Saturdays running around the club with friends. When I was five I was asked to play mini-hockey, but I was too young to play, so my friends and I played together until I turned eight.

“My sister and I officially began hockey with Northerns when I turned 15.”
Eustice will fondly hold onto his favourite moments at the Olympics.

“I was so fortunate to still be at the village when Tatiana Skoenmaker won gold and broke the record, making her the fastest in SA.

“Team SA was in its own bubble that day. We sang Shosholoza, waiting for her to come through to the apartments. She was so humble and polite. What an amazing human being.

“Sixty SA athletes plus others lined up to celebrate her, and it really was the coolest moment to be a part of.

“Seeing someone else, also from South Africa, achieve so much was inspirational in itself.”
Another moment for this hockey lover was when South Africa beat Germany 4-3.

“We haven’t beaten them before, so it was a highlight,” Eustice explained.

“We played competitively at the games but hadn’t achieved anything yet, so we all agreed the next day we are going to win our game.

“We fought so hard and although we didn’t play well, we played to win and managed to beat them.

“I hope it’s helped South Africa to see we can be competitive and inspire people back home.”

Eustice feels the Olympics is a must-see and must-experience for a sports fanatic.

“I had a coach that went to the Olympics in 2004,” he said.

“I was at school at the time and when he came back to show and express what it’s all about I was sold.

“It’s all about experiencing the Olympics. You have to commit time, success and failures.

“It’s not easy to get there, you have to fight for it, but if it’s your dream put everything into it.

“I have given my life’s work and everything to get here. I have had loads of failures, but my drive and commitment remained.

“I was inspired at 15, I had the dream at 15 and look at me now. Don’t give up and fight for what you want.”

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