Amongst the six participants of the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier in Victoria (April 26 to May 4), only top seed Korea and host Canada have previous Olympic experience, while Ireland and Italy only played in previous Olympic Qualifiers.

Korea have the most Olympic experience, with 5 participations since their first appearance on home soil at the 1988 Games in Seoul. Despite limited previous international exposure, they stunned the opposition with their fast paced game and reached the Final, only losing to Australia (0-2). They have participated in every Olympic Games since, collecting another Silver medal in 1996 in Atlanta, where they lost again to Australia (1-3).

After missing the inaugural women’s Olympic competition because of the boycott of the 1980 Games in Moscow, Canada participated in the next 3 Games: 1984 in Los Angeles, 1988 in Seoul and 1992 in Barcelona.  But, despite collecting medals at the 1983 and 1986 World Cups, they never managed to step on the Olympic podium and their best finish was a modest 5th place (out of 6 teams) in 1984.

Ireland have participated in three Olympic Qualifiers before this one, but never managed to make the cut: 11th out of 12 in 1991 (Auckland), 8th out of 10 in 2000 (Milton Keynes) and again 8th out of 10 in 2004 (Auckland).

Italy have only participated in one Olympic Qualifier, finishing last out of 12 teams in 1991 in Auckland.

Korea have participated in 5 Olympic Games
2004 - Athens	7th	of 10 teams
2000 - Sydney	9th	of 10 teams
1996 - Atlanta	2nd	of 8 teams
1992 - Barcelona	4th	of 8 teams
1988 - Seoul	2nd	of 8 teams
Canada have participated in 3 Olympic Games
1992 - Barcelona	7th	of 8 teams
1988 - Seoul	6th	of 8 teams
1984 - Los Angeles	5th	of 6 teams