Harry Martin, the youngstest member of the Olympc hockey squad

Old Loughts star gets the nod

Old Loughtonians hockey star Harry Martin couldn’t hide his delight after being confirmed in the GB squad for the Olympic Games.

Martin, at the age of 19, is the youngest member of the squad and will make his Olympic debut with six others in the 16-man team.

On hearing the news, Martin said: “Although it hasn’t completely sunk in yet, competing in a home Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I am very excited.

“I owe a lot of thanks to everyone who has supported me, especially my friends, family and sponsors.”

Simon Mantell was the main absentee from the squad after failing to recover from a broken metatarsal and Martin is keen to make Mantell and other absentees proud.

“It has been a privilege to be part of such a strong training squad. Those of us that have been fortunate enough to be selected will do everything to make the rest proud,” he added.