One-to-Watch Award winner Harry Martin makes Olympic hockey team
27 Jun 2012
In 2010 GB and England hockey player Harry Martin won SportsAid's One-to-Watch Award and today (June 27) he learned that he had been selected for the team that will compete for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
It completes a stunning rise through the sport for this gifted young player, who was last supported by SportsAid only two years ago - the same year in which he was named as the 'one-to-watch' at our annual SportsBall in London.
On receiving the award, Harry said, “It’s a real honour to win this award. SportsAid have been great over the last couple of years. They have provided me with lots of funding for getting to the Games and for kit and this has given me a massive boost. It’s an amazing feeling to be the One-to-Watch – especially when there are so many strong contenders out there."
Even then he had his sights seton London, adding, "The London 2012 Olympics is my next big aim and there’s still a long way to go before I get into the squad so I’ll keep my head down, keep improving, and hopefully start making my name on the world stage.”
On learning that the hard work had paid off, he said today, "It’s such an honour to be a part of Team GB. Although it hasn't completely sunk in yet, competing at 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 family, friends and sponsors. It has been a privilege to be part of such a strong training squad with such a dedicated coaching team. Those of us that have been fortunate enough to be selected will do everything to make the rest proud.”
Congratulations Harry, we are looking forward to seeing you in action.
Photos: top, Harry Martin in action against New Zealand at the 2010 Samsung FIH Mens Four Nations Tournament in Nottingham (Action Images); bottom, Harry Martin receiving his One-to-Watch Award from SportsAid trustee Paul Dickenson.
SportsAid's Patron
As SportsAid’s patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge is helping to shine a light on the achievements and potential of young athletes throughout the UK – an inspiring generation who one day hope to represent the nation at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. SportsAid alumnus Sir Chris Hoy welcomed the patronage by saying, “SportsAid played an important role when I was starting out so I know what a huge boost this will be to the young sportsmen and women the charity helps today. As patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will give them the profile they deserve.”
