Gail talks sport with hockey star Alex Danson who secured Olympic bronze at the London 2012 Olympics.
What’s your best memory of London 2012?
I have two. The first one was walking from the Athlete’s Village to the Olympic Stadium right before the Opening Ceremony. The entire walk way was lined with a guard of honour made up of school students. For me it started off the Games and encompassed everything about the motto of inspire a generation. My second favourite moment, without question, was standing on the podium with my team mates. I have never been prouder to stand next to 16 people who represented 28 of us in our squad and four years of endless belief and hard work.
If you weren’t a hockey player, what other sport would you choose?
I think I would like to be a triathlete or a surfer, which is strange as one of my biggest reasons for loving hockey is it’s a team game! I think I love the physical talent and will power you need as a triathlete and surfing is just amazing, there’s no place quieter than at the back of a wave and no better place to see the beach as you catch a wave with friends.
Sir Clive Woodward was very adamant about ‘One Team GB’ and ‘how do you want to be remembered?’, so how do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as part of a team that never gave up. After our disappointment of a losing our semi final we were determined to leave with something.
If you were to rule the sports world, what would be your first move?
I’d have sport-specific teachers in all primary schools and ensure every student at secondary age has the opportunity to play at least five hours of sport per week.
Athletes are supposed to have the best bodies, but what part of your body do you love and hate?
I love that I feel healthy and strong, I love seeing my body adapt to training and I’m proud to look athletic. If I could change anything I’d be taller!
Who is your secret sports crush?!
I have a few! I love Rodger Federer but I think a big part of that is I respect him as an athlete, he is so phenomenal at tennis and I like the way he conducts himself around his sport .
What’s been the most sexist comment or remark you’ve ever received?
You’re actually ok.
Image credit: Ady Kerry
