Collins' sights on Olympic dreams

Not many 22-year-olds can say they’re living out their childhood dream.

Very few people the same age can say they’re working toward selection for the Commonwealth Games – or an Olympics in two years.

There’s one who can, on the way to making his senior debut in the green and gold after being named in the 2022 Kookaburras Squad.

James Collins began his hockey journey at a young age.

“I got into hockey pretty young at Minkey, so about 5 or 6 years old I believe,” he said.

My sisters and cousins all played, and my aunty was coaching down at the club, so I just joined in really.”

Years of school hockey, junior state teams and countless hours of hard work resulted in being chosen to represent his country at a young age.

“I was lucky enough to be a part of the Futures squad and National Junior squad throughout my junior days, and to be able to go to events like the Youth Olympics and Sultan of Johor cup have been great for my development over the years,” he said.

Transitioning from junior to senior isn’t always the easiest, and the journey to becoming a Kookaburra hasn’t been easy.

Missed selections, injuries and more recently, a COVID pandemic are hurdles most competitive athletes have had to overcome, and Collins is no stranger to that.

He said it’s not all bad though, and along with the lows in sport – come a number of highs.

“As with everyone who plays competitive sport, I’ve missed out on selection and had a few injuries over the years,” Collins said.

“But for me being able to go to the Youth Olympics in Argentina was definitely a highlight and something I’ll never forget.

Another highlight for me would have to be the Olympians medal last year, I still don’t think that has really sunk in but that is also a pretty special moment for me and my family.”

These opportunities along with many others, caught the eye of the national coaching team, Collins already being given the chance to partake in a number of Kookaburras scratch matches, and intra-squad games like the current Fortescue Challenge.

Then in February– he got the call every young athlete dreams of.

“I actually missed Batchy’s (Colin Batch – Kookaburras Coach) call because I was working at the café serving customers,” Collins said.

“So, when I did call him back and he told me the news I don’t think I spoke for a good while.

“After dreaming of being a Kookaburra for years, to be told I’d made the National squad was a bit of a shock and definitely a very exciting moment for me.

“But to be able to share the news with my family and friends was quite a special moment in my life for sure.”

From there – the transition into life as an athlete began.

It’s one many people can struggle with.

Collins has even now taken six months away from his master’s in finance to focus on the task ahead.

He said having the opportunity to meet and run around with the boys prior was the best preparation.

“Being able to train with the squad in the build-up to the camp and selection definitely helped with transitioning into the squad, but the intensity and speed of training and matches is another level yet again so it’s a great environment to improve and develop,” Collins said.

“Although I think the first couple sessions, I was so excited to be in the uniform and training as a Kookaburra that I was already exhausted before the warmup.”

There’s a number of large-scale tournaments for the Kookaburras this year.

That includes a World Cup and shortly after – a Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

For Collins, getting the call up to either event is at the back of his mind until he can fine-tune his abilities as a player.

“Of course, it would be amazing to get selected for Birmingham, but at the moment I’m still just trying to work on a few aspects of my game and continue to develop,” he said.

In the meantime, he’s been focussing on finding his feet and getting settled.

“Now that I’m getting into the swing of things, I’m just trying to improve certain areas of my game and make sure I’m ready for the quality of international games,” he said.

“In the long term obviously going to an Olympics has always been a dream of mine so Paris will be a big focus for me and the squad in the next couple years.”

James Collins alongside a number of other Kookaburras will be in action in the Fortescue Challenge on Tuesday 15 and Friday 18 March from 6:30pm at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.