Team GB’s women hockey players say the Duchess of Cambridge is spurring them on in their quest for Olympic glory.
Kate, a Team GB ambassador, joined one of the side’s practice sessions in the Olympic park in March and is set to cheer them on as she, Prince William and Prince Harry rally support for the nation’s athletes throughout the Games.
The duchess was a hockey captain at Marlborough College and is said to have “massively boosted” interest in the game since pictures of her on the 2012 practice pitch went round the word.
“It’s fantastic,” said Team GB hockey captain Kate Walsh. “To have such a high-profile ambassador for the Games and for Team GB, and to have her on the front of nearly every newspaper with a hockey stick in her hand, is brilliant.
“My sister lives in Holland and she said that even its fashion magazines had her on the front playing hockey. Can you imagine that, hockey in fashion magazines?”
Team GB women’s hockey coach Danny Kerry said: “I’m really hopeful she will come to see us. I think everybody will take some inspiration from that.”
Mr Kerry said Kate wanted to spend more time practising with the team but felt she had to cut short the visit as crowds began gathering to watch her.
“I think she wanted to have a bit more of a knock-around,” he said. “She has got a good eye for the ball.”
Team GB’s women came sixth at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing but hope home support will help them win a medal. Their first match is against Japan, at 7pm on Sunday.
