Olympics: Kate Jenner preparing for Tokyo tilt

The Tamworth product was yesterday unveiled as one of the 16 Hockeyroos that will chase gold in Tokyo next month.

It will be the 31-year old's second Olympic campaign after being one of nine debutantes in the side that finished fifth in London back in 2012.

Her selection comes just two years after she made her return to the national set-up having taken a break from the sport.

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"The selection took me a little bit by surprise because I wasn't really expecting it," Jenner told the Leader back in 2019 ahead of her first game for the Hockeyroos in almost four years.

She had initially come back for one last hurrah with the NSW Arrows before the Australian Hockey League transitioned to Hockey One.

That then led to selection in the development squad, and by the end of 2019 she was winging her way west to the Hockeyroos base in Perth again.

The Tokyo squad was finalised following the recent Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand, which the Hockeyroos won 1-nil after the first three games all ended in draws.

Jenner's parents Barry and Sue were understandably very proud and excited.

"We're really thrilled for her," mum Sue said.

"All the effort and dedication, it's a good reward for her."

"She's worked pretty hard," Barry added.

After what had been a bit of a nervous wait, albeit not as nerve-racking as nine years ago, they were planning to celebrate with a nice bottle of wine.

"I've got a very nice bottle at home that I've been keeping for an occasion to open," Barry said.

Unfortunately they won't be able to go over to Japan to watch her but are hoping to get over to Perth later this month with the Hockeyroos scheduled to play two FIH Pro League games against the Black Sticks on June 26 and 27.

They will be their last games on Australian soil before the games, which are due to start on July 23.

Tamworth's fourth hockey Olympian, Jenner joins former Kookaburras captain Michael York as the only multiple Olympian.

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