Ipswich Hockey star Hannah Martin determined to help Team GB defend Olympic title

Members of Team GB hockey team during the Olympic and Paralympic athletes heroes' return in London. (Image: PA Wire)

The 22-year-old is one of 15 new faces selected to lead England and Great Britain into the next Olympic cycle, the next Games due to take place in Tokyo, in 2020.

Former Ipswich School pupil Martin, who plays for Surbiton, in the National League, said: “I am honoured to be involved in such a major squad and it’s a great time to be involved in British hockey, given the growing popularity of the sport in this country and the media coverage it received in the summer.

“I have spent quite a long way working my way through the (Great Britain) age group teams and I know I still have a lot of hard work to do.

“I am nowhere near the standard of the other girls, who won the gold medals, but having an opportunity to train with them day-in, day-out will help me develop as a player.”

The achievements of Team GB’s women at last year’s Rio Games were one of the stories of the summer, Danny Kerry’s team beating defending champions, the Netherlands, in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

“It was an incredible achievement and we are looking to build upon that by winning again, that will be our mindset,” Martin, whose brother Harry is an established member of the GB men’s squad, added.

“The standards in the squad are so high, the team culture is unbelievable. The players are there for one reason – they are all together and they have made me feel welcome.”

As well as the Olympics, Martin will have next year’s Commonwealth Games, on the Gold Coast, in Australia, to strive for, as well as the Hockey World Cup, in London, next year,

Head coach Kenny said: “We have, I feel, a good depth of skilful, committed, smart, and athletic athletes who are eager to learn, develop and build on the legacy and momentum of the Rio Olympic cycle.

As part of this group we have also retained an excellent core from the previous cycle.”