Going for gold

FLYING THE FLAG.. Nicola White

OLDHAM’S Nicola White has set her sights on a glorious summer after being selected for the Great Britain women’s hockey team heading to the London 2012 Olympics.

The 24-year-old former Hulme Grammar student, who plays her club hockey for Slough, got the nod to join Danny Kerry’s 18-strong squad.

White has been an ever-present in the GB set-up for three years.

She said: “I was always hopeful of being selected because I have been regularly involved and feel I have performed well, but you can never second guess these things.

“Now it is official I am absolutely ecstatic — this is the ultimate. I will be a Great Britain Olympian, competing in London.

“The key now is to make the most of this wonderful opportunity. We will do everything in our powers to win in front of our fantastic fans.

“A gold medal is what dreams are made of. We want to go make it count, even though it is going to be tough, as there are plenty of great teams involved.”

Kerry’s squad go into the eagerly-anticipated tournament in good form.

Forward White and her team-mates won gold in the Visa International Invitational tournament.

They beat World Cup and Champions Trophy holders Argentina 2-0 in the final.

Nicola’s mum Gill said: "We're all incredibly proud of Nicola and her amazing achievement.

“We know much hard work and commitment Nicola has given over the last few years and we're absolutely thrilled it's resulted in her dream coming true."

And their chances have been further boosted by the inclusion of Reading forward Alex Danson and Leicester defender Crista Cullen.

Danson injured her shoulder and Cullen damaged her ankle in the test event last month but both have recovered in time for the Olympics.

Squad: B Storry (GK), L Bartlett, A Danson, E Maguire, H Richardson, K Walsh (Reading), A Ball, N White (Slough); C Cullen, H MacLeod, C Rogers, A Panter (Leicester), S Thomas (unattached); G Twigg (Clifton); L Unsworth (Loughborough Students); S Walton (Bowdon Hightown). Reserves: A Walker (GK), N Seymour (EuroCanterbury).