 |
|
"My passion for sport began at an early age. It didn't matter what was on offer - football, netball or hockey - I was always prepared to try something new.
"Sport has opened up so many opportunities. I've travelled the world, competed at every major tournament, winning medals at European, Commonwealth and Olympic level. I've enjoyed every minute of my sporting career and wouldn't change it for anything. If you never have a go, you'll never know!"
Jane Sixsmith is probably one of the best-known hockey players ever. She retired from the international scene last year, after scoring over 100 goals and winning 165 caps for England and 158 for Great Britain. Jane is also the only British female hockey player to have appeared at four Olympic games, including Sydney 2000.
A forward, Jane still plays hockey at club level for her hometown, Sutton Coldfield. She took up hockey when, at the age of 12, she was told she could no longer play for a boys' football team. She still loves football and is a big Aston Villa fan.
As a teenager, she was selected as a reserve for the England under-18 netball team before being chosen for England's under-18 hockey squad. She plumped for hockey and the rest is history.
Jane works for Birmingham City Council as a hockey development officer. Apart from last year, when lottery funding released her to train full-time, she has always had to combine working with playing.
Her honours include an MBE, Olympic bronze, a European Cup gold and a Commonwealth silver medal.
Her nickname is Jasper - maybe because she has red hair!
back to top
|
