Olympic dreams for ex-Newark Hockey Club pair

Two former Newark Hockey Club players are hoping to help steer GB into next year’s Rio Olympic Games.

Shona McCallin is currently playing for GB ladies in the World League in Spain — an Olympic qualifier.

Adam Dixon has been selected for the men’s GB squad that starts its World League games in Belgium next week.

McCallin, 23, has played in all GB’s matches to date as they made impressive start to the competition.

McCallin, of Dry Doddington, said: “It is the most important tournament of the year for us.

“We have had a good start but right now we are taking nothing for granted. There is still a long way to go so we need to remain focused.”

In the group stage, a 2-0 victory over Spain was followed by a 2-0 win over Argentina, GB’s first victory over the side in 20 years.

A 4-2 victory over Canada put them top of the group.

On Tuesday, they beat China 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

The top three teams from the ten-team competition qualify for the Olympics.

McCallin made her senior England debut last year in the Champions Trophy in Argentina in November.

She said: “I am relatively new in terms of international experience and am constantly learning from those around me.

“I had to realise that sometimes you get knocked back and your place isn’t set in stone. It takes a lot of hard work.

“It has been a great 18 months and I am going to show all the work and determination to keep getting games.”

McCallin made a great block on the goal line to deny Argentina, and said she was satisfied with her form at the tournament.

“It has been a steady start. I always go back and take a look at the game and analyse all the key areas to improve my game,” she said.

Great Britain will next be in action today when they face South Africa.

The men’s competition starts on Monday and GB are among the favourites.

However, Adam Dixon is taking nothing for granted.

He said: “We will have to be on our guard. Although there are a few teams there that are not so strong, we will have to be on the top of our game.

“We have to remember that this really is it. If we don’t finish in the top three then we don’t go to the Olympics.

“There will be a bit of pressure on us but that’s something we will have to deal with.”

Dixon, 28, said he was always honoured to play for his country and the Olympics would be the pinnacle of his career.

“It means so so much to be selected. I have had aspirations to play ever since I played growing up at Newark,” he said.

“I have memories of watching teams play in the Olympics at a young age so to go there myself would be amazing.

“Every game I play as if it was my last because it means so much to me.”

GB start their quest on Tuesday against Ireland.