The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has unveiled officials and umpires designated for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024, reaffirming the global recognition of their expertise and dedication to the sport. PAHF once again poised to make its mark on this prestigious international stage, with a cadre of officials whose journeys started in the PAHF and have since flourished on the world stage.
The selection has been made by the FIH Technical Officials and Umpiring Committees, chaired by Sheila Brown (South Africa) and Roger St. Rose (Trinidad and Tobago) respectively.
Continuing hockey’s drive towards maintaining gender equality in the sport, there will again be a 50-50 split of the officials at the Games across Umpires and Technical Officials. This is a key target for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who aim to achieve this across all sports at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Umpires
Three exceptional umpires will be officiating the hockey matches at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Irene Presenqui (ARG)
Irene is set to tackle her fourth Olympic Games, a testament to her unwavering commitment to hockey officiating. Her experience and composure on the field make her a formidable presence.
“First I felt joy and happiness to have this challenge ahead of me, then I felt love for representing PAHF, Argentina, and my family, and finally, gratitude for being here, for being who I am, and above all, for having the support of my family that helps me be a part of this.”
Ayanna McLean (TTO)
This will be Ayanna’s second appearance at the Olympics, a dream come true. She shared her excitement, saying, “Dreaming about being part of the Olympics is a fundamental aspiration for any serious sports enthusiast. To now be appointed to my second Games, I feel honored, thrilled, and blessed to make this dream a reality.”
Gabriel Labate (ARG)
Gabriel is preparing for his inaugural Olympic journey. His emotional response upon receiving the news perfectly encapsulates the profound impact of such an appointment: “I was surprised when I saw the email. I couldn’t believe it. And as soon as I realized what I was reading, I started crying because a thousand things come to your mind, I don’t know how to summarize it. What you’ve dreamed of your whole life is starting to come true.”
Umpires Manager
Soledad Iparaguirre (ARG)
Having officiated as an umpire in four previous Olympic Games, her experience on the field is both extensive and invaluable. Soledad’s journey doesn’t stop at umpiring. She has been instrumental in the development and growth of hockey in the Pan-American region for years. Soledad achieved another significant milestone, she was Umpires Manager in the last men’s World Cup, and now received her first appointment as Umpires Manager at the Olympic Games.
Technical Officials
Three exceptional officials from the PAHF have been appointed as technical officials for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Reyah Richardson (TTO)
Reyah expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am very humbled to be selected again for such a prestigious event. I am elated to be part of this electrifying event in the post-Covid era, where players and participants can once again experience the energy and excitement of spectators and supporters at an Olympic Games. It’s always an honor to represent my country and the PAHF region on the global stage.”
Lorena Rinaldini (ARG)
is set to participate in her second Olympic Games, with her first being in London 2012. Eleven years later, she rejoins the Olympic team of officials, expressing, ‘I feel happiness and pride in being able to represent Argentina and PAHF in the premier event of international sports. Thanks to all who have been and continue to be part of this journey.'”
Adrián Della Mattia (ARG)
expressed his profound honor and satisfaction at the privilege of being chosen to officiate at the Olympics for the second time “I felt very honored to have this privilege again. It’s an enormous satisfaction to represent the region in an event like the Olympic Games”
PAHF family takes immense pride in the achievements and appointments of these exceptional individuals. Their dedication to hockey and their representation at the Paris 2024 Olympics exemplify the caliber of talent nurtured within the Pan-American Hockey Federation. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable officials and look forward to witnessing their contributions on the Olympic stage.
#EnRouteToParis #RoadToParis2024
