Chasing Her Dream-Gemma's Secret Passion

It’s decision time for the gorgeous Mrs McCaw!

- Sophie Neville

At 17, when most of her friends were going off to unit to embark on a new life of fun and freedom, Gemma McCaw packed up her bedroom at her family home in Tauranga to head to Auckland to join the Black Sticks hockey team.

It was the start of a decade long dedication, with every ounce of focus and energy directed into her sport. There were enormous highs and crushing lows, but through it all, she gave it absolutely everything. Now, though, the star – who married All Black legend Richie McCaw in January – has found herself at something of a crossroads.

After narrowly missing out on a medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro last year – four years after coming fourth at the London Olympics too – the crestfallen athlete decided to take a break from the sport she loves.

Planning her stunning Wanaka wedding and focusing on her health-coaching business has kept her busy, but Gemma, 27, tells us the decision about whether to return to professional hockey is beginning to loom large.

“I’ve managed pretty well to put it out of my mind, but it is something that I need to decide soon,” she admits.

“It’s a huge decision. There’s definitely a feeling of unfinished business because an Olympic medal is the ultimate dream for any athlete, but it’s a matter of whether I still have that drive. It’s a huge commitment and I need to be absolutely sure about it.”

Tossing it over

In an attempt to help his wife with her decision, Richie, 36, came up with a novel solution. “He pulled out a coin and said, ‘Heads or tails – heads being hockey and tails being retirement.’ Then he wouldn’t show me the coin and asked ‘What do you want it to be?’ But I still couldn’t decide!”