Australian hockey superstar Rosie Malone has spoken out on Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell’s decision to snub her for the Olympic Games after the selection decision sent shockwaves around the country.
Malone, who six months ago was on a five-person shortlist for the International Hockey Federation’s women’s player of the year, was not included in the 16-player roster and reports have since suggested she was not given a reason why she’d been left out.
The 26-year-old appealed the decision to the National Sports Tribunal but it was dismissed on Friday.
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On Tuesday afternoon, Malone took to Instagram, posting an emotional video filmed back in May in which she discusses the struggles of meeting expectations in elite sport.
“At the time I had no idea my Olympic spot was in jeopardy,” she wrote, in a caption to accompany the video.
“When I watched it back a few days ago, I realised I saw a girl sitting there feeling like no matter what she did, what she achieved, what she gave back to sport and to the people around her, for some of them, nothing was ever going to be good enough.”
Malone went on to explain her achievements across the past two years, saying she’d done everything coaches asked of her, “even to the point of changing my natural game ‘for the good of the team'”.
“I’m not injured, not pregnant, not battling with any other issues stopping me from performing on and off field,” she continued.
“I have good relationships with my teammates and always bring joy and energy to the team.
“I was Hockeyroos’ highest goal scorer in 2023. I’ve scored four international goals this year making me equal second in the team, with the highest player having five goals. (I’ve) played in 21 out of the 22 international games for the Hockeyroos this year.
“Since becoming a Hockeyroo in 2018, I’ve played at every tournament bar one (minor injury). I’m consistently in the top group for fitness testing.”
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Malone went on to list her achievements, including that she’d been in the top five junior female players in the world in 2018, was named top five senior women’s players in the world last year and had played 114 games for Australia, one Olympics, one Commonwealth Games, two World Cups and one Junior World Cup.
“What defines good enough? I honestly don’t even know anymore…,” she added.
“If I could turn back the clock even just a few short months I would say to my younger self, ‘Those who truly know you see your value and what you bring. Don’t waste energy trying to make those who don’t, happy. If someone is trying to change things about you, or the way you do things, and your instincts scream ‘no’…. trust your instincts. Have courage. Stay fearlessly authentic. And remember…The wind blows strongest at the top of the mountain’.”
The Gold Coast talent went on to wish the best for her teammates, stating her belief the Hockeyroos can win a medal.