Nicola's Rio grand!

NICOLA WHITE . . . off to Rio

OLDHAM hockey star Nicola White will be going for gold at the forthcoming Rio Olympics.

Former Hulme school pupil White, who plays as a forward for Holcombe in the Investec Women's Hockey League Premier Division, has been named in the 16-strong women's squad that will represent Team GB in Brazil from August 5.

The 28-year-old won a bronze medal at London 2012 as Team GB defeated New Zealand 3-1 in the third/fourth place play-off, but White is determined to reach for the stars this time in the world of sport's number one event.

White (pictured) told the Chronicle: "I am unbelievably proud to have been selected to represent Team GB in Rio.

"It was a very competitive selection and I had to fight hard to get a spot in the squad, but I do feel this is a credit to the strength of our centralised squad of 32 athletes and world class programme at Bisham.

"This is my second Olympic Games and I am just as excited as the last time, but Rio will be very different on a number of levels, so I think there will be more of a surprise element this time round with it being abroad and not being able to see any of the set-up until we land.

"I feel internally and externally there are high expectations of what we can achieve in Rio, and ultimately deep down we all know what we want, a gold medal!

"I honestly believe we have the capabilities in our squad to achieve this. However, when in tournament mode, we have to take it game by game as though each one is a final of its own.

"That allows us to concentrate on one small step at a time, building positive momentum, confidence and putting us in the best place possible to perform.

"I'd like to thank everyone back home for all their continued support including family, friends and sponsors. The support means a lot and I hope everyone will enjoy watching the Rio Olympics and get behind all of Team GB this summer."