Olympic hockey champion Alex Danson is delighted to return to the Great Britain hockey set-up as she attempts to reach Tokyo after suffering a head injury that ‘tested her to her limits’.
Danson, who was part of the Team GB side that claimed Olympic gold in Rio, has had long-term concussion after hitting her head on a wall on holiday in Kenya in 2018.
Great Britain Hockey confirmed that the fundamental priority over the coming weeks and months will be Danson’s health and well-being, but the GB forward is not ruling out chasing another Olympic gold.
"Every moment we have whether as a hockey player or in life, is a gift,” wrote Danson on Instagram.
“I was determined that I would take more from this experience than it would take from me. I am delighted that I am able to return to the place [where] I’ve spent more time in life than I have at home.
“The last 18 months have tested me to perhaps my limits, with my health isolation and inability to do the things I used to do with such ease. I’m still not 100% but with time running out before the Tokyo Olympics now is my last chance to see what I can do.
“Without my family and friends I know I would not have the opportunity to give this a good shot. Thank you for sticking by me, for giving me your time, your energy and your hope, especially when I have not been able to return all you have done.
“It’s an opportunity to move forward, to try, to be and to explore. But these moments are truly made by the people you share them with. I cannot wait to be back with you all.”
Great Britain’s men’s and women’s hockey team will be back in action when they travel to Australia to start their FIH Pro League season on February 1, while Danson will return to training to Bisham Abbey on Monday. Sportsbeat 2020