Durham University is proud to announce the significant representation of its alumni and a graduating student in the upcoming Team GB hockey squads for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The men’s squad includes goalkeeper Ollie Payne and defender Jack Waller, while the women’s squad features graduating student Fiona Crackles and midfielder Tess Howard.
Mark England MBE, the Team GB Chef de Mission, expressed his delight in welcoming these talented hockey players to the team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. He emphasized the wealth of experience and the inclusion of exciting Olympic debutants among the selected athletes, expressing confidence in their abilities to compete at the highest level.
Fiona Crackles, a dedicated and talented hockey player, has made significant strides in her career, representing England under 16s and under 18s teams and achieving success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Tess Howard has been a pioneering figure for women and girls’ sport, breaking barriers and receiving notable accolades, including England Hockey’s Young Player of the Year in 2018 and The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year’s Changemaker Award in 2023. She has also been instrumental in raising awareness about body image concerns for women and girls in sports.
Ollie Payne and Jack Waller have also demonstrated exceptional commitment and skill, earning their places in the 2024 Paris Olympics with their outstanding performances at Durham University and their respective England and Great Britain teams.
The presence of these talented athletes in the Team GB hockey squads reflects Durham University’s commitment to supporting and nurturing sports talent, highlighting the university’s dedication to fostering individuals with a passion for excellence.
For further information and insights into the selected athletes, interested individuals can refer to the following sources:
– Official announcement from Team GB
– Profiles of Fiona, Tess, Ollie, and Jack on Great Britain Hockey’s website
– Interview between the BBC and Fiona Crackles
– Informative videos on the hockey development of Ollie and Jack by EnglandHockeyTV
– Team Durham videos for firsthand experiences from Fiona and Tess on playing hockey at Durham
– Information on sport at Durham University and its impact on student development.