Helena Valley hockey umpire off to Rio for fourth Olympics

MEN’S hockey umpire Murray Grime is off to his fourth Olympics.

Rio is a dream come true for the Helena Valley resident, who missed the London Games after officiating in Sydney, Athens and Beijing.

“I missed selection to London due to some politics and possibly because I wasn’t at my best, but that just spurred me on,” he said.

“There are not many other umpires in my sport who have been to this many Olympics, so it is an honour that I will cherish forever.

“The thrill of receiving notification that you have made it on to the plane to go to the Olympic Games is one every sports player and official dreams about.”

Grime, who grew up in Hazelmere and attended Guildford Grammar School, has had a busy lead-up to Rio.

He has been involved in Olympic qualifier competitions overseas, international tournaments at home and abroad, and the Australian Hockey League.

“I’m currently assisting to expand and mentor umpires in Asia, which is an area that is expanding rapidly,” he said.

Grime has to fund his own way to the Games as officials are not part of the Australian Olympic team.

He will also have to put his business Artificial Lawn Supplies aside while he is in Rio.

“I am self-employed running my own artificial turf business and it (officiating) puts a toll on both your business and your family life,” he said.

“Both suffer along the way due to the sacrifices and unsociable hours you need to put into training and supporting your local and national associations and other aspects of your sport.”

Grime also umpires in the state league and appoints umpires and officiates for the Private Schools Association competition.

If you can help sponsor Grime, email him at murray.grime@bigpond.com.

Justin Bianchini