White’s hope for Games

FINGERS CROSSED . . . Oldham hockey player Nicola White.

HOCKEY:

NICOLA White hopes her experience of big events persuades Great Britain hockey team coach Danny Kerry to pick her for the London 2012 Olympics.

Kerry announces his 18-strong squad tomorrow and it would be a major surprise if former Hulme Grammar pupil White missed out, having been an ever-present for the last three years.

She was a key member of the 2010 Commonwealth Games team in Delhi and is generally considered to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Most recently the 24-year-old forward played in the Great Britain side which won gold in the Visa International Invitational tournament, where Kerry’s outfit saw off World Cup and Champions Trophy holders Argentina 2-0 in the final.

White said: “I have got my fingers crossed for tomorrow’s announcement. I have been consistently involved since entering the GB fold three years ago, and I would like to think I have demonstrated my ability to hold my own.

“I went to the Commonwealth Games a couple of years back and did pretty well there, and hopefully that goes in my favour. Whatever happens, Danny will pick the strongest squad at his disposal, and if I am part of that then it would be a dream come true.

“As amazing as the Commonwealth Games experience was, playing at the Olympics in my own country would be an absolute career high and the constant training would be worth it.

“I have high hopes, but I don’t want to jinx it so for now I am just waiting and hoping.”

Saddleworth swimmer Jessica Lloyd has already cemented her place at the Olympics which get under way at the end of July, while local water polo pair Ella Chadderton and Joe O’Regan must wait until June 24 to hear.



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