Ian Bird has been playing the sport since the age of six, joining the
national team in 1988 for the Seoul Olympics. His career was almost cut
short before it began when he collided head on with an opponent at his
Olympic debut. The blow resulted in unpredictable seizures and blackouts
which lead to an early forced retirement in 1991. But after five years of
recovery, Bird made a triumphant return to the game he loves, winning the
Harry Jerome Comeback award in 1997. He has been a key player ever since
with his sights on a medal in Sydney. Long term goals include an appearance
at the Championships Tournament, the pinnacle competition in field hockey
featuring the top six team in the world in round robin play.
2000 Games
Sept. 30: Canada lost 3-0 to Spain, finished in 10th place overall.
Sept. 28: Men: Canada def. Poland 3-2 in classification game, advancing to ninth-place playoff against Spain.
Sept. 26: Men: Canada tied Malaysia 1-1 to finish with 0-2-3 record in Pool A round-robin play.
Sept. 24: Canada tied Britain 1-1, putting the Canadians at 0-2-2 in Pool A.
Sept. 20: Canada lost 5-2 to the Netherlands, dropping to 0-2-1 in Pool A round-robin play.
Sept. 20: Canada lost 2-1 to Germany, dropping to 0-1-1 in Pool A round-robin play.
Sept. 16: Canada tied Pakistan 2-2 in preliminary round game.
2000 Games Field Hockey Coverage
