Tessa Jopp is back in the Vantage Black Sticks after her dreams were dashed on the eve of the 2018 Commonwealth Games by a previously undiagnosed heart condition.
The Otago midfielder returned to her first love – farming in the Maniototo in Central Otago – but when Graham Shaw called she knew she couldn’t turn down a chance to make the Olympic squad.
Tessa Jopp is Built for Greatness. Our podcast series is brought to you by Vantage Windows & Doors.
THE EPISODE BREAKDOWN:1. What it's like being back in the Black Sticks (0:17)
Having to pull out of the 2018 Commonwealth Games (1:30)
Having to stop all exercise after being diagnosed with a heart condition (3:09)
Attending the 2018 Commonwealth Games but unable to play (5:00)
Realising she could play hockey with the condition (6:23)
Playing club hockey in Belgium (8:00)
Her love of farming (10:45)
Reaction to first being selected in the Black Sticks (12:52)
What it'll mean to be selected for the Tokyo Olympics (13:13)
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/ENG2AvpXgps