World At Her Feet

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SINCE making her international debut in 2013, Devonshire girl Giselle Ansley has been a key component in defence for both the England and GB ladies hockey side. Born in Kingsbridge, she was introduced to hockey at a young age, watching her mum from a pitchside pushchair at Paignton Hockey Club.

“I started playing hockey mainly because of my mum,” confirms Giselle. “I used to watch her regularly and I suppose it was only a matter of time before I picked up a stick for myself. I was eight when I started at Paignton before moving to Dartmouth Hockey Club and then Plymouth Marjons Hockey Club. I have such happy memories of all my early clubs.”

Now at the age of just 25, Giselle has already achieved what most athletes can only dream of – winning an Olympic gold medal. “Rio was an incredible experience, something I will never forget,” reflects Giselle, who was part of a team that won all eight of their matches in the tournament en route to the gold medal match. “We had a great support team around us and we were able to create a feeling of togetherness and a winning philosophy that enabled us to be successful.’’