OUR PEOPLE: Julian Hykes

A talented all-round athlete, Julian Hykes of East London has excelled at rugby, cricket and hockey. But it is on the astro turf where he has enjoyed his greatest success, representing South Africa an impressive 129 times during a stellar international career.

Julian was a member of the South Africa national hockey squad at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Hockey World Cups, the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The second highest goal scorer in South African Premier Hockey League history, he also has the distinction of having scored what is arguably one of the finest goals ever, at the 2018 IPT.

When he announced his retirement from international hockey earlier this year, the South African Hockey Association issued the following statement acknowledging his immense contribution to South African hockey:

“Julian has been an inspirational servant for the game of hockey in South Africa. He has served the country fantastically well and has been a great role model having played most of his domestic hockey for both Border Hockey and Southern Gauteng at the top level.

"Thank you for your service and commitment to the game in South Africa and for the inspiration that you have been for youngsters in our country."

There were few things more exciting to see as the one-handed break from Julian for South Africa, said SA Hockey Media Officer Tyron Barnard.

"His turn of pace was sensational, and you always knew that while he was on the field South Africa had a chance to score. His signature reverse stick has inspired a whole generation of strikers for sure!”

Born in East London, Julian attended Greenpoint Senior Secondary School. He is currently Director of Hockey at Dainfern Coillege in Johannesburg.