Going for Gold - Meet Kane Russell

Kane Russell is what we proudly call a sporting over-achiever. At 18 he was selected simultaneously for both the New Zealand under 18 and the under 21 hockey squads.

Now, just one year older, he has been selected for the New Zealand Blacksticks team.

Kane is a graduate of TigerTurf’s under 16 hockey squad (no wonder we’re proud!). TigerTurf’s sponsorship meant that the kids on the team were fully supported and encouraged, says Kane. He reckons the extra coaching and skills he got from being in the squad has had a lot to do with his success.

Kane is loving the lifestyle that international hockey brings. He gets to  play the sport he loves, he’s super fit and active, and he’s constantly on the go, travelling around New Zealand, and to Malaysia and Australia (so far).

One challenge, he says, is limiting his socialising in order to fit in all his hockey commitments.  He’s also had to give up some other sporting activities – he was chosen for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletic team in 2010 but decided to let it go in favour of his hockey. A keen rugby and cricket player, he’s put those sports aside as well.

Kane says his family has been fantastic– they’ve invested massive amounts of time, money and emotional support. He knows they’re proud of him, and that’s the icing on the cake. But in 2012 he’ll be leaving his home in Dunedin to train with the Blacksticks in Auckland in preparation for their Olympic campaign.

The great thing about TigerTurf surfaces, says Kane, is that they are so fast – and for this talented drag flick specialist that’s just what’s required. Everyone at TigerTurf wishes Kane and the Blacksticks a gold-filled Olympics!