Michael McCann - A man who invested his life in field hockey

At first glance Michael McCann is a handsome, charming and unassuming young man. Born in Sydney, the Australian has traveled all over the world but recently has settled in Mannheim, Germany.  Working as a field hockey trainer Mike is more than qualified for the position having captured Olympic Gold with the Australian National field hockey team at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. His looks remind you of a “surfer from Oz”: shaggy blond hair, lightly sun-tanned, wearing a blue and white plaid dress-shirt, jeans and Converse sneakers. His laid back stylings have got the attitude and outlook on life to match. Admitting that he has sacrificed a lot for his field hockey career, he says he wants to enjoy life now. The 32-year old started his hockey career at the age of four because his family was involved in the sport. “I’ve always liked to win and naturally disliked my opponents”, says the hockey striker, who used to be very angry and aggressive on the field. But Mike who calls himself a “fun guy” is very passionate when it comes to field hockey. The most emotional moment in his life came when he won the gold medal with the Australian National field hockey team. Michael has sacrificed a lot for his passion, both on and off the field. “I spent a lot of time on training”, says the gold-medalist “It’s difficult to have a relationship when you’re spending about 80 hours a week playing hockey. Who are you going to let down: your team mates or your girlfriend?” McCann speaks about his 11-year relationship which ultimately could not compete with his training and travel schedule. With his new Austrian girlfriend Mike openly admits “It is still difficult because she always has to follow me around.” Mike likes to travel and has been pretty much anywhere you can imagine. “I love Barcelona, it’s a beautiful city and I had one of the best times in my life while I played for the FC Barcelona men’s first team.” The passionate hockey player is not sure about his future, but he thinks he will stay in Mannheim for another two years because of his job. “Whatever I do, it most likely will have something to do with hockey” says the fulltime trainer.  Michael says he doesn’t mind that he stopped playing field hockey professionally and when you ask him what he misses the most about Australia he says his nephews and nieces. “I also miss the weather and the beach in Australia but Mannheim is a good place to be: it’s in the centre of Europe and you are close to many places: Austria for example where my girlfriend’s family lives. And also it’s close to Barcelona where I go at least once a year!” The 32-year old wants to have a family one day, maybe with his Austrian girlfriend. “I would like to go back to Barcelona and maybe live there. The weather is great, the beach is wonderful and the food is to die for!”