Olympian’s daughter debuts for Australia

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Men’s Hockey Head Coach and Olympic gold medallist Brent Livermore has watched his daughter run out onto the hockey pitch in the green and gold for the first time.

“She was eight months old in Athens when we won gold and was about five or six when she first picked up a hockey stick, often hitting balls around the house with signature sticks,” the 2004 captain of the Olympic gold medal winning Kookaburra’s team said.

Talented and determined, 19-year-old Kyra Livermore made her debut for the Australian u21s hockey team this week in a test series against Japan on the Gold Coast.

“Dad has been a massive part of my journey,” Kyra said.

“He is the person I always turn to and I’m so lucky to have that. I can ask him questions about anything – nutrition, skills training, schedule and university. He always has some sort of little advice and connection.”

Brent was an NSWIS scholarship holder and represented Australia from 1997 – 2010, leading Australia to its first Junior World Cup in 1997 and going on to win Olympic gold as the Kookaburras captain, an Olympic bronze medal as well as three Commonwealth Games gold medals (1998, 2002, 2006).

He transitioned to coaching in 2009 and set up a mini high performance academy on the Gold Coast, where the likes of rising star Rosie Malone trained. Five years later Brent was back among the NSWIS community and has been employed ever since as the Head Coach of the men’s hockey team.

“I like to ensure every athlete has access to reach their full potential,” Brent said about his coaching philosophy.

“I like to provide holistic growth and personal development on and off the pitch, to give the athletes the knowledge to own and lead the program.”

And then there is the added bonus of the two-time Olympian providing advice on technical and tactical team performance as well as the game demands on the body.

“I was always proud to be the fittest and fastest and obviously I have an understanding of what it takes to play at an elite level.”

It’s from his playing experience, Brent has developed expert knowledge and skills in all facets of the sport, all of which he shares with his athletes as well as his daughters.

“Nutrition, training and load management, creating habits, discipline, leadership, it’s everything – it’s all come through my development as an athlete and coach. Hopefully that is something I’ve supported my family with.”

His humble and empowering coaching philosophy underpins his approach to parenting.

“I understand what it takes to be successful, I encourage but never force it.

“There are so many life skills you learn as an athlete – the mindset, the behaviours and values to be successful and to enjoy life.

“These transition to your family values and help create really good habits in the family environment. You develop great children that grow up to be fantastic and my girls are growing that way,” Brent proudly says.

Like her father, Kyra has aspirations of representing Australia at the Olympics and has her sights set on LA 2028 and then Brisbane 2032.

“I can see the qualities in her to go far. She has strong game awareness and knowledge. She has great tactical awareness and game management. She has strength and resilience.

“And then there is her commitment and determination. It is intrinsic but it needs to continue to develop.”

Krya has played three games for Australia this week and will wear the green and gold for the fourth time today in the final match of the series.

Brent tells his daughters and his athletes to follow their dreams as anything is possible.

“I know it sounds cliché but it is something I pride myself on. I came from the small country town of  Grafton and have provided my girls with all these opportunities.

“I tell them to give everything, get out there and have a crack.”

NSWIS