Former Newark hockey player Shona McCallin adds Olympic bronze medal to gold crown

Following Team GB Women’s Hockey Olympic semi-final disappointment, former Newark hockey player Shona McCallin and her team-mates found consolation in claiming the bronze medal.

Team GB beat India in a 4-3 thriller to claim Olympic bronze and keep their proud place on the women’s hockey podium.

Goals from Ellie Rayer, Sarah Robertson, Hollie Pearne-Webb and Grace Balsdon held off a spirited India comeback.

Team GB have now won women’s hockey medals in the past three Olympic Games, with this latest honour adding to bronze at London 2012 and gold at Rio 2016 when midfielder Shona, of Dry Doddington, made her Olympic debut at age 25.

She said: “We certainly didn’t make it easy for ourselves. I think we showed real grit and determination though.

“I’m so, so proud of all the girls, the 16, the three girls that haven’t played, and all the girls at home that created this team.

“Also all the staff that have just been absolutely amazing.”

Shona’s team captain Hollie Pearne-Webb said: “We’ve got 16 here who are going to get a medal, our reserves and those back at home and we’ve really relied on everyone in this squad.

“I wish every single one of them was able to get a medal, that’s why we’re here.

“It’s been a tough five years. Really, really tough. We’re all still here because we all had that little bit of belief deep, deep down.

“There have been times over the years where we’ve doubted if we could achieve this, I’m just so pleased and proud of everyone that we have.

“After winning and achieving the biggest dream, that in itself is the biggest challenge.

“Olympic bronze, even just a few months ago, was in our wildest dreams. I’m so proud of all the girls and the squad.”