Dick Lydford and his daughter Michele Maytom are supporting their granddaughter and niece Anna in the London Olympics.
While people in Forbes cheer for Australia these Olympic Games, one household cheers for a goal scoring family member.
Hockeyroos defender, Anna Flanagan scored a goal against Germany yesterday morning in the Hockeyroos’ second match.
Forbes man Dick Lydford was thrilled to watch his granddaughter’s team beat Germany 3-1.
Joining Mr Lydford for the games is his daughter Michele Maytom, who recently travelled from her home in Forster back to her father’s house to watch Anna play.
The house in Church Street has since been decorated with family photos and Hockeyroos paraphernalia.
Mr Lydford said an Olympic Gold medal was possible, but he was already proud of his granddaughter.
“Just to be selected… it’s a huge effort,” Mr Lydford said.
Ms Maytom said the family was proud of how much effort Anna has made.
“She got selected in mid-June. We were ecstatic,” Ms Maytom said.
“It’s been Anna’s dream since she watched Kathy Freeman in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.”
Anna’s mother, Judy Flanagan also grew up in Forbes but now lives in Canberra where Anna was born.
Judy visits Forbes regularly and last year was the guest speaker at the 2010 Sportsperson of the Year Awards.
The SOYA committee also invited Anna to the awards presentation but she was unable to attend due to Hockeyroos training commitments. However, she did supply the committee with a signed playing shirt.
The family maintains a strong connection between Canberra, Forster and the place where it all started – Forbes.
Mr Lydford once played hockey in Forbes, and was a member of the Forbes team which defeated the NSW touring team at South Circle in the late 1940s or early 1950s.
Ms Maytom said she was the only one in the Lydford family who did not play hockey.
Until recently, Judy worked for the Australian Sports Commission, and is currently in London to watch her daughter play.
“Judy told us last night [over the phone] it was cold over there,” Ms Maytom said.
“We’re very proud. We wish we were there.”
So far, the Australian Women’s Olympic Hockey team have played two games. The first game on Sunday night was a loss to New Zealand.
The next game against the United States is scheduled to air tonight with another game against South Africa on Sunday, August 4.
For more information on Australia's men's and women's hockey teams visit http://london2012.olympics.com.au/sports/hockey
