Audrey Palmer

Audrey Palmer (21 February 1932 – February 2007) was a Zimbabwean field hockey player, administrator and former international umpire. She served as the President of the Zimbabwe Women's Hockey Association from 1980 to 1995. She was regarded as one of the most devoted personalities to have served for the progress of the Zimbabwe women's national field hockey team at international arena. Career Audrey represented Rhodesia women's field hockey team at international level from 1953 to 1961. She also played at club level representing Harare Sports Club and Mashonaland. She also represented South African universities at field hockey competitions while pursuing her higher studies at the Maritzburg University. After retiring from professional field hockey, she became an administrator and referee. She had also served ad one of the standing umpires being part of first South African Grade A umpires contingent when the Women's Hockey Association of Rhodesia was affiliated with the Women's Hockey Association of South Africa. She was subsequently appointed as chaperone (caretaker) to amateur Zimbabwe women's national field hockey team at the 1980 Summer Olympics which was held in Moscow. She travelled with the team as a medic, trainer and general supervisor. During the 1980 Summer Olympics, Zimbabwe took the stage on storm creating an upset by claiming a historic gold medal defeating Austria 4–1 in the women's hockey competition where Zimbabwe also ended up as unbeaten winners of the competition despite being relatively inexperienced side at international stage.