[img_assist|nid=3796|title=Crista Cullen an Alex Danson have both been selected for the London 2012 squad|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=114]As the Olympic flame is flown from Greece in the ‘Gold’ BA flight no. 2012 or as the Mayor of London says ‘in the creme caramel’ coloured airplane, GB women’s squad are announced.
There were no real surprises in selection. Danson and Cullen, who were both injured in the recent test event have been included. Alex Danson said:
“It’s a huge, unbelievable honour! As a child and as an athlete you dream of going to an Olympic Games but to have the opportunity to play at the Olympic Games in your own country is simply incredible.
“I’m so excited to be able to share the experience with my family and friends. They have been my support network throughout and to have them around me will be a tremendous help.
“Our programme has provided us with the best preparation we’ve ever had. Being able to train full time at Bisham Abbey has helped us engender the fantastic team ethos and squad mentality that makes it so great to be part of this team.”
The selected athletes are: (Name, born, hometown, age)
Ashleigh Ball (Brighton, Cheltenham, 26)
Laura Bartlett (Glasgow, 23)
Crista Cullen (Boston, London, 26)
Alex Danson (Southampton, Odiham, 26)
Hannah Macleod (Huntingdon, 27)
Emily Maguire (Paisley, 23)
Anne Panter (Wellingborough, 28)
Helen Richardson (Hitchin, West Bridgford, 30)
Chloe Rogers (Great Dunmow, 27)
Beth Storry (Reading, 32)
Sarah Thomas (Merthyr Tydfil, 31)
Georgie Twigg (Lincoln, 21)
Laura Unsworth (Sutton Coldfield, 24)
Kate Walsh (Stockport, 32)
Sally Walton (Solihull, 27)
Nicola White (Oldham, 24)
Two reserve athletes are:
Natalie Seymour (Maidstone, 24)
Abi Walker (Glasgow, 30)
Team GB Women’s Hockey Head Coach Danny Kerry said:
“Words cannot describe how difficult it has been to make the final decision in selecting this squad. Since we centralised our training programme in late 2009, our process has been continuous, making it our most thorough and exhaustive ever.
“We have chosen what we feel is the best combination of players for the challenges of the Olympic Games. Each and every one of the 28 athletes in the training group has committed so much and as a result we have the most powerful squad spirit I have ever known.
“I want to offer my congratulations to those that have been selected who I know will do our squad proud in London. I also want to offer my most heartfelt commiserations to those that have not been selected – they have given everything.”
Congratulations to all those who have been selected.
