While the majority of Britain’s winter athletes frantically bid to secure their place to Sochi 2014, UK ice hockey referee Joy Tottman has no such worries and she couldn’t be more proud.
Tottman has been officially appointed to officiate at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in February, the trip to Russia set to be the third time she has refereed at the Games.
She worked at Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010 and couldn’t hide her delight at being appointed for Sochi 2014 after what she describes as a test last few years.
"I've been a part of the IHUK and IIHF programmes for over 15 years now and have seen the standards improve dramatically over that time," said Tottman.
"To be able to compete and be selected from the best in the world is a real honour and something which I hope makes us all proud of hockey in the UK.
"The last few years have been a real test for me. Losing my dad as my number one support was extremely tough and to come back from being very low to being top six in the world has shown me that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.
"The support from the rest of the referees in the UK has been incredible and my friends and family too have also given me the strength and resolve to keep training and striving for the best.
"It makes all the 5am training sessions worth it. I can't wait to get out there and show the world that this little island does know a thing or two about hockey."
© Sportsbeat 2013