Black Stick Simon Child Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek / Photosport
Olympian and Black Sticks great Simon Child is ending an almost 20-year international career.
Child first stepped onto the international stage in 2005, as a teenager, going on to represent New Zealand more than 300 times.
Renowned globally for his goal-scoring prowess, Child's 148 goals place him as the second-highest scorer in the history of New Zealand men's hockey.
Child said representing New Zealand was his "greatest achievement" and he was "incredibly grateful for the journey".
"I played my very first game at 16-years-old, in front of family and friends and never imagined that I would go on and play a total of 309 games, captain the team and compete at four Olympic Games.
"I owe everything to my parents, whose sacrifice, encouragement and commitment shaped my career.
"Special thanks to my wife Kush, for your motivation, love and support. I couldn't have done any of it without you."
Simon Child Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek
Kevin Towns, who was the first to ever select Child for the Black Sticks, identified Child's exceptional talent early on, tracking his progress from junior levels to secondary schools.
"It was clear from a very early age that there was something special about Simon, a natural athlete with a different but extremely effective skill set, he had game smarts and loved to win.
"It was a privilege for me to have him in the Black Sticks group. To see him grow into his role as a fully-fledged international and a threat to teams across the world of hockey."
Child is a veteran of four Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games. He was a pivotal part of the squad that clinched a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Hockey New Zealand chief executive officer Anthony Crummy praised Child's career and contributions to the sport.
"Simon has had a remarkable career and his service to hockey over the last two decades has been extraordinary. A world-class player with incredible skill and game sense, Simon retires as one of our greatest ever Black Sticks.
"His resilience and commitment to excellence have been an inspiration."
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