Olympic gold medallist visits Exeter School

Giselle Ansley, part of the GB hockey squad who won gold in Rio 2016, paid Exeter School pupils a visit on Thursday 13 October. It was great for pupils to see how somebody from South Devon has gone on to represent GB at the Olympics and brought home a gold medal!

She attended school in South Devon with Mrs Clark and started playing hockey at Paignton Junior Hockey Club before moving to Plymouth Marjon and then continued to play during her studies at Loughborough University. She made her debut for England against South Africa in February 2013.

Giselle spent the first part of the day with the Junior School pupils who were delighted to be able to touch a real gold medal and meet a gold medallist! Mr Ashman led a very thoughtful question and answer session where Junior School pupils asked Giselle some really great questions.

Giselle gave us an insight into how the hardest match she has ever played in was the Olympic final because they were playing Holland, who were defending their title, and that they had to work really hard to level it twice to take the match to penalties, as well as dealing with the knowledge that a gold medal was on the line. These pressures with the knowledge that a gold medal was on the line, were tough to handle but their team ethic brought them home.

She let the Junior School pupils into a secret that she has a lucky necklace and shin pads. Giselle also explained that her favourite goal she has ever scored was the one against India at Rio 2016 from a short corner. She also spoke about how the team had genuine expectations that they wanted to win gold and truly did believe that they could do it.

Giselle then paid a short visit to the Sixth Form Centre where pupils took photos with the gold medal and asked her any questions that they had.

Giselle also found the time to coach all of the Third Form girls during their games session. More questions and autographs ensued The girls were delighted to spend time with a gold medallist learning some of the skills she used at the Olympics.

Lunchtime was a chance for any other pupils and staff members to see the gold medal and meet Giselle and see the gold medal. Lots of thoughtful questions were asked and many pupils were inspired by Giselle's words of wisdom to be determined and to set yourself short and long term goals to help you achieve something you really want to do.

She also explained how she was thankful to her parents for inspiring her and ensuring that she had the opportunity to play hockey, as well as how she continues to be inspired by her teammates, who all work as hard as each other.

She said she was constantly amazed and inspired by her squad of team mates.

"They always find that extra margin of determination to achieve and the support given to each other is second to none."

Giselle's final hour at school was spent coaching Form One and some Upper One pupils, before heading back to London to train for her own club Surbiton.

We would like to thank Giselle for spending the day with us and for sharing her expertise and advice with our pupils, as well as allowing us all to meet a gold medallist and letting us see her medal!