Mariah Williams posted this photo when she arrived at the Olympic Village in Tokyo last week. (Photo: Facebook)
Hockey fans in Parkes have been glued to their screens to watch local hero Mariah Williams play for the Hockeyroos at the Tokyo Olympics.
The team beat Spain 3-1 in their opening match on Sunday, and continued their winning streak on Monday defeating China 6-0. The result of their third game against host nation Japan was not yet available at the time of going to press.
Mariah played a major part in the game against China helping to set up two of the goals with the commentator praising her skill and athleticism.
At Parkes East Public School some keen junior hockey players spent their lunch in the library on Monday to support Mariah and see her in action at the Games. The school posted some photos of the students following their hero’s Olympic journey, and Mariah responded in the comments: “Aww thanks for the support guys!”
While local hockey games had to be cancelled last weekend because of wet conditions, Parkes Hockey Inc encouraged its members to support the Hockeyroos instead. After the win over China Parkes Hockey Inc wrote in a Facebook post: “It was so good to see our girl back out on the pitch today, and what a game she played!”
The Hockeyroos are aiming for their first Olympic medal since Sydney 2000.
Some of the Parkes East hockey players who eagerly watched Mariah Williams play for the Hockeyroos on Monday.