LONDON 2012: Brown adamant standards won't slip after selection

Posted: Thursday 21st June 2012 | 10:52

BRITISH Handball performance director Lorraine Brown is adamant the 14 women officially announced as part of Team GB won't be getting carried away with their selection, adamant they know there is a serious job to do.

WELCOME WORLD: Britain will compete in handball for the first time ever at this summer's Olympics

Britain will make its first-ever appearance on the Olympic handball schedule at London 2012 with 14 women's players, including captain Lynn McCafferty, chosen for the Games with the men's team to follow.

Following London's successful bid for the Games in 2005 the GB Handball performance programme was formed in 2006 and at last year's Olympic test ever Britain's women recorded victory over African champions Angola.

And indeed it is the women who will participate in Britain's first-ever Olympic match with their opening fixture of London 2012 coming against Montenegro on July 28 - a day after the men face France - with Russia, Brazil, Angola and Croatia also in their group.

Joining veteran captain McCafferty on the team is goalkeeper Jane Mayes left winger Britt Goodwin, right winger Kelsi Fairbrother and pivot Louise Jukes, who played hockey for England's under-18 team.

Brown admits the formation of the GB Handball performance programme made selection difficult but, with the 14 now chosen, she insists they won't be taking their eye off the ball between now and the Games.

"The GB women's handball team announcement is another milestone for GB Handball," said Brown. "In 2006 the performance programme started with just three women in the academy programme.

"And to now see two of them being selected to Team GB, along with the other quality players selected, is a testament to the progress made on court, as well as the hard work and dedication they have shown in their commitment to the centralised programme at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre over the past 15 months to be best prepared as a team for London.

"This made the selection process all the more emotional for those involved. I know the players selected will remain focused on the next 36 days and maximise this time to continue their preparations to compete in their first Olympic handball tournament."