María de la Paz Hernández, Argentinian field hockey player
María de la Paz "Maripi" Hernández: A Pillar of Argentine Field Hockey's Golden Era
María de la Paz Hernández, widely recognized by her affectionate nickname "Maripi," is a celebrated retired field hockey player who left an indelible mark on Argentine sports history. Born on January 11, 1977, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hernández became a cornerstone of the nation's dominant women's national field hockey team, famously known as "Las Leonas" (The Lionesses), during their most successful period on the international stage.
A Distinguished Career with "Las Leonas"
As a vital member of "Las Leonas," María de la Paz Hernández played a crucial role in transforming Argentine women's field hockey into a global powerhouse. Her skill, strategic play, and unwavering commitment contributed significantly to the team's rise and sustained excellence across multiple major tournaments.
Olympic Glory: A Trio of Medals
Hernández's Olympic journey is particularly noteworthy, marked by three distinct medal wins that underscored Argentina's growing prominence in the sport:
- Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics: She proudly secured a historic silver medal with the national team. This was a groundbreaking achievement, marking Argentina's first Olympic medal in women's field hockey and signaling the arrival of "Las Leonas" as elite contenders.
- Athens 2004 Summer Olympics: María de la Paz added a bronze medal to her collection, showcasing the team's consistent performance at the highest level of competition.
- Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics: Her final Olympic appearance also culminated in a bronze medal, reaffirming her enduring impact and the team's status among the world's best for nearly a decade.
World Champion and Continental Dominance
Beyond her Olympic accolades, "Maripi" Hernández was instrumental in securing several other prestigious international titles:
- 2002 FIH Field Hockey World Cup: A monumental achievement, she was a key member of the Argentinian squad that clinched the coveted World Cup title, solidifying their position as the undisputed best team in the world at that time.
- Champions Trophy Victories: She lifted the Champions Trophy twice, in 2001 and again in 2008. The Champions Trophy is an annual invitational tournament featuring the world's top-ranked national teams, making these victories significant indicators of sustained excellence.
- Pan American Games Gold Medals: Demonstrating Argentina's regional supremacy, María de la Paz secured gold medals at two Pan American Games, in 1999 and 2003.
- 2001 Pan American Cup: Further cementing their continental dominance, she also helped the team win the Pan American Cup in 2001.
A Sporting Family: The Hernández Legacy
The sporting talent within the Hernández family extends beyond field hockey. María de la Paz is the sister of Juan Martín Hernández, a highly celebrated retired Argentine rugby union star. Juan Martín, often referred to as "El Mago" (The Magician) for his exceptional playmaking abilities, enjoyed a stellar career primarily as a fly-half, centre, and full-back for the national team, "Los Pumas," and various top clubs in Europe. This sibling duo represents a remarkable instance of elite athletic achievement across different major sports in Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions about María de la Paz Hernández
- When was María de la Paz Hernández born?
- María de la Paz Hernández was born on January 11, 1977, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- What Olympic medals did "Maripi" Hernández win?
- As a pivotal member of Argentina's national women's field hockey team, "Las Leonas," María de la Paz Hernández won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, which was the first Olympic medal for the team. She also secured two bronze medals at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
- Which major international titles did María de la Paz Hernández win with "Las Leonas"?
- Beyond her Olympic success, María de la Paz Hernández played an instrumental role in "Las Leonas" winning the prestigious FIH Field Hockey World Cup in 2002. She also contributed to two Champions Trophy victories (2001 and 2008), two Pan American Games titles (1999 and 2003), and the Pan American Cup in 2001, demonstrating extensive success across various major tournaments.
- Who is Juan Martín Hernández?
- Juan Martín Hernández is María de la Paz Hernández's brother, and he is a renowned retired Argentine rugby union player. He is widely considered one of Argentina's greatest rugby stars, known for his versatility and skill as a fly-half, centre, and full-back for the national team, "Los Pumas," and major professional clubs.