GB’s Olympic champion Pearne-Webb retires

Great Britain’s Olympic champion and captain Hollie Pearne-Webb has announced her retirement from hockey.

Pearne-Webb scored Team GB’s winning goal in a shootout against the Netherlands at the Rio 2016 Games to secure a first Olympic title for the women’s team.

The 34-year-old, who made her senior debut in 2013, also captained the side to Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020.

“It’s hard to put into words just how much this sport has given me,” Pearne-Webb said.

“What started as a dream when I was just eight years old – to one day play for my country at the Olympics – became a journey that’s been greater than anything I could have imagined.

“One of the greatest honours has been leading England and Great Britain over the past six years. Captaining this team at two Olympic Games and a home Commonwealth Games has been an immense privilege.

“Walking the team out last summer in Paris, in front of friends and family, was a truly special moment and one I’ll never forget.”

Pearne-Webb amassed 274 combined caps, including appearances at three Olympic Games.

Five years after scoring the gold medal-winning goal in Rio, Pearne-Webb captained GB to another Olympic podium when they beat India 4-3 to win bronze in Tokyo.

One year later she led England’s women to a first Commonwealth Games gold, beating Australia in the final in Birmingham.

Great Britain reached the quarter-finals at the Paris Games last year, losing to eventual champions the Netherlands.

“I’ll always be proud to have worn the shirt, and I’ll always be a supporter of the incredible players coming through,” said Pearne-Webb.

“Hockey has shown me that anything is possible – and I’ll forever be thankful for that.