England Hockey CEO Nick Pink reflects on GB Olympic success

What a fantastic result it was earlier today, and huge congratulations to everyone involved with the Great Britain's women's hockey team. They are an inspiration both on and off the field of play. The last 12 to 18 months have been really challenging and as a group they, and those at home who have been part of the group in this cycle, have worked incredibly hard and been 100% committed which has all led to the success we have seen today.

Olympic medals in three consecutive games is no mean feat, and the women's success is unprecedented, even more so in comparison to other female team sports. And I must mention Laura Unsworth for becoming the first British hockey player to win three Olympic medals. We are so proud of this incredibly talented group, captained brilliantly by Hollie Pearne-Webb.

Great Britain's men had a positive campaign they can be pleased with. Of course they were disappointed not to take the next step into the semi finals, but fifth place in an Olympic games is still a noteworthy achievement, both in the context of Covid and also building on performances at Rio. In fact I believe fifth is the men's joint-best overseas Olympic games since Seoul in 1988. These Olympics and other recent results have shown the step change that they are on. We look forward to seeing them compete in the future and as a group with good and strong support are excited by what is ahead.

Across both teams, it was very pleasing to see key contributions from all three home nations, both on the pitch but also among the coaching staff. It is important to us to represent England, Scotland and Wales in a manner such as this.

Covid has not been easy for any of us, and in an elite team sport environment it has been exceptionally hard, and my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the athletes, as well as the coaches, support teams and wider staff who have made this happen. Thank you to all the families, volunteers and clubs that have played such a significant part in the development of all the Great Britain hockey players, today is also about you all.

The inspiration provided by the teams enables us all in hockey to realise the huge potential we all have in front of us, and the power of sport as a force for good. Our amazing athletes have set the tone, and we must respond to this high level of performance. Change Starts Together is a free online conference we are running later this year on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in hockey and I would welcome you all to attend. The event is designed to build greater understanding, accountability, clarity and change in the game and is a key part of our work in this area. It is a challenge for the whole sport and one that I know we can make great progress in, with the help of clubs and members in England. Please do register your interest here.

As I mentioned in my last note, this is also an exciting time for the sport for a number of other reasons. Our governance restructure and new Game Management System will take the sport to a new level, while our new talent strategy focuses on the best possible growth in our elite pathway. A little further away, the FIH Hockey Pro League returns to these shores in 2022 and our ballot is open now, while Birmingham also hosts the Commonwealth Games next year.

So there is much to do, and also much to be excited about for the future of our wonderful sport.

Thank you for all that you do.

Nick