The British Olympic Association has selected Nicola White for Team GB’s Women’s hockey squad for Rio 2016.
London Olympic bronze medallist and Loughborough College name Nicola was one of the youngest members of the team at the 2012 Games.
Tweeting from the announcement on Tuesday that she will compete for Britain in Brazil Nicola said: “I can now officially say… I’m so proud to have been selected … and thank you for your support.”
After making her senior international debut for England against Germany in 2009 – and scoring – the former Loughborough College Sport Science student has since gone on to medal success not only at the Olympic Games but also at the World Cup, Champions Trophy, European Championships and Commonwealth Games.
After returning to her studies at Loughborough College following London 2012, Nicola also become mentor for the College’s newly-launched Elite Athlete Performance Centre – the first residential facility of its kind in the country for emerging 16-18 year old sport talent.
Nicola is amongst eight women’s team players in the 16-strong Rio squad who won bronze in London.
Speaking at the announcement, Team GB Chef de Mission, Mark England, said: “I’m very proud to be able to welcome hockey players from both the men’s and women’s squads to Team GB...
“In both of these sides there is a blend of Olympic experience and Olympic debutants who have come through in the last four years and who have shown they can compete at the very highest level.
“It’s great to qualify athletes in the team sports, and a tremendous spirit exists across hockey, which has developed and grown during this four year cycle. I’m sure this will stand them in good stead this summer and I’m confident that on their day they can match any team in the world.”
Sally Munday, Chief Operating Officer for Great Britain Hockey said, “I would like to congratulate all of our athletes who are on their way to Rio for this summer’s Olympic Games. Our central programme is exceptionally competitive and I know how hard they have all worked to be selected.
“Their ambitions certainly do not end here, and I would like to wish them the very best of luck this summer.”
Hockey first appeared at the Olympic Games at London 1908. Team GB have won 11 medals in hockey since then with three golds, two silvers and six bronzes.
Photo courtesy Simon Parker