Olympic Champion Ansley calls time on international career

Double Olympic medallist Giselle Ansley has been a prominant figure in the England and GB women’s Hockey team for the past 11 and a half years and has made the tough decision to retire from international hockey.

Ansley made her senior debut in 2013 and quickly became a key member of the senior England and GB team representing her country at every level of competition.

In 2014, she stood on the podium for the first time with Team England as they secured silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Two gold medals in the Hockey World League and the EuroHockey Championships in 2015 provided the perfect preparation for Ansley to be selected for her first Olympic Games.

It was at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games that Ansley formed part of the history-making team that won GB’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey. The team caught the hearts of the nation as 10 million people tuned in to cheer the British team to glory.

Ansley continued her medal success with the team as she secured bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast before being selected for her second Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Team GB showed their strength to come home with bronze from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Ansley secured her place as one of a few players to win back-to-back Olympic medals.

Ansley, not content with making history once, went on to be a key member of Team England who won the country’s first Commonwealth title at the Birmingham 2022 Games.

Just two years later, Ansley completed her hat-trick of Olympic Games performances as she was selected for and competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Ansley knew the time was right to hang up her shirt and is ready for the next steps:

“It has been the greatest privilege and honour to represent England and GB for the last 11.5 yrs but now it is time for a new adventure,” Ansley said.

“I knew before the Olympics it would be the last time I pulled on the shirt, and I am happy in my decision knowing it's time for the next generation to experience all that international hockey has to offer.

“Hockey has given me so much. Amazing memories, some of my best friends, an opportunity to travel the world doing what I love most, and more injuries than I care to remember.

“A few of the highlights have to be playing in some amazing home tournaments, the Euros in London in 2015, the 2018 World cup, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and being fortunate enough to experience first-hand three Olympic Games. I will never take this for granted and know just how lucky I have been.

“I will be forever grateful to all the coaches and wider staff who have supported me throughout my career, to my teammates who I couldn't have done it without and most importantly to my family and friends who have supported me every single step of the way. I know they will miss it just as much as me.

“I am excited and terrified all at the same time at what’s to come next, but I am proud of the career I have had and look forward to cheering on the team for many years to come.”

Women’s team Head Coach David Ralph said: “Giselle has made an outstanding contribution to Great Britain and England over the last decade. During an incredibly successful period of time for Great Britian and England teams, Giselle has been an integral part of those teams and been a key contributor. As an exceptional defender, with a vast array of distribution skills, she was also able to contribute at both ends of the pitch through her drag flicking ability.

“Giselle was not only important to us in games, she was a valuable contributor to us in a training context. Giselle was always an outstanding trainer whose drive and determination was evident every day and we will miss her leadership skills and character too.

“It was a pleasure to coach Giselle over the last eight years, a great person and character, an exemplary trainer and an outstanding hockey player. We wish Giselle every success in the next chapter of her journey, and I personally hope that she continues to find ways to contribute to our sport.”