Georgie Twigg won’t be rushed into deciding whether to call time on her international hockey career.
Since returning from Rio, the class of 2016 have headed in their own directions, from Holland to the jungle and all points between.
Twigg has been immersed in the sport since she first picked up a stick at her local club in Lincoln, graduating through age group teams to make her senior international debut as a 19-year old.
But, aged 26, she is embarking on a new challenge, starting her training contract with international law firm Bird & Bird just a few weeks after returning from Brazil.
Twigg remains committed to Premier Division table-toppers Surbiton but has told national coach Danny Kerry her international ambitions are ‘on hold’.
Kerry has estimated that 50 per-cent of his Rio team won’t be involved in the title defence in Tokyo and Twigg won’t be drawn on whether she wants a crack at a third Games.
“My life has certainly changed from being totally focussed on the Olympics to being sat in an office,” she said.
“I’m taking time off from England and I’ve not made any long-term decisions yet or putting myself under pressure to make them.
“I know it will be an incredibly difficult one to decide. I feel very lucky and privileged to have experienced two Olympics. Winning the bronze at a home Games in London was amazing and then that gold in Rio – it’s going to be difficult to ever match that.
“Since getting home there’s been so much excitement about the sport and I’m enjoying my club hockey with Surbiton and I’m focussed on my law training contract.
“It’s been great to go straight into something else and hit that routine, though it’s obviously very different. There are so many skills and traits you learn from hockey that translate into the workplace – teamwork, performing under pressure and leadership skills.
“It been a shock and it’s been back to reality, which I’ve really loved.”
Twigg’s new law firm colleagues cheered from the crowd as she took part in last month’s homecoming parade in London but, after late night attending the Buckingham Palace reception that followed, she was back at her desk the following morning.
Twigg admits to taking her time watch the big match for the first time, creeping downstairs while boyfriend, Olympic team-mate Iain Lewers, slept in one weekend.
“I’d been back home for quite a few weeks before I watched it and I know lots of the girls haven’t watched it all yet,” she adds.
“I sat down one Sunday morning while my boyfriend was still asleep and watched it through and it was very surreal.