OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Hockey captain Walsh uncertain on what future holds

By Phil Jones, Sportsbeat, London 2012

GREAT Britain’s bronze medal winning captain Kate Walsh is yet to make a decision on retirement after helping her side seal their first medal since Barcelona 1992.

FUTURE UNCERTAIN: Kate Walsh delighted with bronze medal but will wait before making a decision on where she goes after London 2012

Team GB grabbed third place in a close encounter between the Brits and New Zealand, but Walsh’s side edged to a 3-1 win to claim bronze at the London 2012 Olympics.

Walsh – who suffered a sickening blow in the team’s first tie, leaving her with a broken jaw –  was distraught after their semi-final defeat to Argentina and claimed it will take some time for her team’s achievements to sink in before thinking about the future

“I'm 32, I've had a good long career. I've said I won't make any decisions immediately. I still love playing and my body has held up brilliantly,” she said.

“I'm still improving and have lots to give and it's hard to turn your back on it. I'm not making any decisions for a while because I love being part of this time.”

Team coach Danny Kerry also refused to comment on his future but was delighted with the reward for his player’s efforts.

“It's seven and a half years of hard work coming to fruition out there. People talk about technique and tactics but when people win medals it comes down to character,” he said.

Whatever the future holds for Walsh, she hopes the showcase of home success at an Olympic tournament will leave a lasting legacy for British hockey

“It’s massive, we just got hockey out there to the public, to a world audience,” she added.

“It’s been a fantastic tournament, there’s been so many goals and great games been played. We just want everybody of all ages to get out there and pick up a hockey stick and give it a go.”

Walsh is also pleased to have the backing of the Duchess of Cambridge, who visited the squad when the Olympic pitches were opened and was at the Riverbank Arena to witness Team GB winning bronze.

“She’s a real hockey ambassador, she played it at school and girls love her so hopefully they’ll go out and have a go at the game she loves,” she said.

© Sportsbeat 2012