Chasing Her Dream-Gemma's Secret Passion
Woman’s Day Magazine NZ|07 August 2017

It’s decision time for the gorgeous Mrs McCaw!

Sophie Neville
Chasing Her Dream-Gemma's Secret Passion

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!”

This story is from the 07 August 2017 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 07 August 2017 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN’S DAY MAGAZINE NZView All
TREASURE & TRAUMA
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TREASURE & TRAUMA

The launch of the new season of Celebrity Treasure Island doubled as an eighth wedding anniversary celebration for contestant Millen Baird and his wife Siobhan Marshall, who came fourth on the show back in 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
August 31, 2024
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

JUDGE JAY-JAY

Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas

time-read
2 mins  |
August 31, 2024
CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'

The Te Puke gym owner refused to let a devastating accident stop her from becoming a mother

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO

The Emmy Award-winning writer is starring in a macabre new comedy

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!

Rosa and Margo have a new cookbook and bundle of joy on the way

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR

The son of a Kiwi sporting Legend, Cantona Stewart is making waves in Summer Bay

time-read
2 mins  |
August 31, 2024
TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'

The actress and director opens up about her terrifying ordeal

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
CARMEL SEPULONI  I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

CARMEL SEPULONI I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!

Our former deputy PM the lessons she's learnt in politics on CTI

time-read
3 mins  |
August 31, 2024
KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR

The Black Ferns co-captain and her rugby star husband organised the ir nuptials in just five days!

time-read
5 mins  |
August 31, 2024
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!

Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!

time-read
1 min  |
August 31, 2024