17 Loughborough hockey players embark on road to Tokyo 2020

17 Loughborough University hockey players have been awarded places on the England Hockey Centralised Programme, geared towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The men’s squad, which was announced at the start of the week, contains current Loughborough University students Ed Horler, Jonty Griffiths and Luke Taylor, all rewarded for their fine form at junior level.

In his final year of study, Ian Sloan remains part of the programme after his contributions in Rio de Janeiro last summer, meaning four current students will be balancing their studies whilst travelling to and from Bisham Abbey.

Alumni and Olympians Barry Middleton, David Condon, Mark Gleghorne and Henry Weir all keep their places after strong showings in Rio, as do Chris Griffiths and Harry Gibson, despite just missing the final squad who travelled to the Brazilian capital.

On the women’s side, Ellie Rayer headlines the seven, the Loughborough University Sports Technology student makes the jump up from junior international level.

Unsurprisingly Olympic gold medal winning quartet Giselle Ansley, Maddie Hinch, Laura Unsworth and Nicola White all retain their places on the programme, largely thanks to their contributions in Rio.

Also joining the alumnae above are Sarah Jones and Suzy Petty, both former Loughborough students and members of the Loughborough Student’s Union Ladies Hockey Club.

Of the announcement Loughborough Student’s Union Men’s Hockey Club Head Coach and former England international Jerome Goudie commented:

“The hockey club are very proud of our students, Ellie, Luke, Jonty and Ed, who have been named in the new centralised squad moving forward to Tokyo 2020. They have been integral team members and contributed greatly to Loughborough’s successes to date.

“Their hard work, coupled with the use of additional integrated support services provided by both academics and Loughborough Sport staff has enabled them to combine their sport and studies to a high level, and continue to do so.

“We are also very proud of final year student Ian Sloan who keeps his place after playing so well in Rio, and to the other 12 alumni who have been named in the squad, in what looks to be very exciting times for GB Hockey. We wish the whole group all the best.”

Resources

Contacts

PR team

Telephone: 01509 222224