In the run-up to the Rio Olympics and our own 'Olympics Day' this week, we were thrilled to welcome GB Hockey star and former student, Alex Danson to our Assembly on 27 June 2016. We know that Alex is an inspirational speaker and wonderful role model and once again her message was passionate and powerful.
Alex's career so far is impressive - 28 tournaments, 16 medals, 15 years of professional hockey, 261 international caps, 93 goals, 100s of team mates, matches in 15 countries. But she wanted to emphasise that this did not happen without making 'millions of mistakes' and having many disappointments along the way. In the London 2012 Olympics she was in the GB team who won the bronze medal - she was elated; in the 2014 World Cup her team came 11th out of 12 - she was devastated; in the 2015 European Nations Cup her team won a gold medal - a dream that had taken Alex 251 international caps and 14½ years to achieve.
So Alex's message to the girls was to set your goals as high as you can and don't waver in your belief, whatever the setbacks. Enjoy the journey, which is a special as any success and be patient - it can take time to fulfill a dream.
We watched an inspirational film produced about Alex by her sponsors and you can view it here:
On Sunday 26 June 2016 Alex scored a hat trick against New Zealand in the Women's Hockey Champions Trophy at the Queen Elizabeth Park. On Tuesday 28 June team selection takes place for Rio. Alex seems to be at the top of her game at the moment and we look forward to seeing her competing in Rio and we will be cheering her on towards that gold medal! Good luck Alex!