AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 • SPOTLIGHT• 21


Team GB Women’s Hockey player, Lily Owsley, returned home to Bristol with a gold medal following the 2016 Rio Olympics. Here she talks about her experiences


What were your feelings after Team GB defeated Holland in the Women’s Hockey final in Rio following a penalty shootout? “It was so surreal, that initially it didn’t really sink in. For some time afterwards I was very much on a high and really enjoyed sharing it with my family and friends.”


What was your best moment in Rio? “Tough one! Obviously the moment we won the Gold but there were some other special moments up there too such as winning the semis, and also the first game when a lot of us made our Olympic debut – plus celebrating afterwards with the team.”


How have you found adapting to everyday life again after Rio? “Life is definitely different, but the main things stay the same… my mum will still nag me, and my brother will still use me for lifts! But these are the things you would never want to change. It’s been different, but it’s all for the good! It makes me immensely proud that we’ve put our sport on the map!”


Were there any tough times while you were in Rio? “I missed my family and friends the most. I don’t call them sacrifices because it’s a choice, but it is not easy to go long periods of time without your loved ones! But I’ve had plenty of time for catch ups since. I also missed seeing the start of the football season.... and pizza!”


Have there been any memorable moments following your return home from Rio? “I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of surprises since being back! I loved the ‘I Am Team GB’ day, even if I took it way too seriously and tried to win the park run! I have been very touched by the amount of people who have been inspired to pick up a hockey stick, as this was one of our visions as a squad and to have achieved that is up there with the win! Tere have also been a couple of times when I’ve been noticed, which is different but all part of promoting the sport!


Colliers International


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