London 2012

Brothers to make hockey history

GB players to become first brothers to play in Olympic hockey team.

By Paul Higham.   Last Updated: August 1, 2008 10:57am

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Mantells: Simon (L) and Richard (R)

Mantells: Simon (L) and Richard (R)

Simon and Richard Mantell are relishing their history-making appearance in Beijing as they become the first brothers to play Olympic hockey for Team GB.

The British men's team are training in Macau ahead of the Beijing Games, which promises to provide the toughest of hockey tournaments.

The Mantells are used to playing in the same side but now feel especially privileged to be making British history.

"We've sort of got used to playing in the same team," said older brother Richard.

"But it's a dream come true for any hockey player to represent Great Britain at an Olympic Games, there's nothing else quite like it, so it's fantastic for us both to be here."

Tough group

Great Britain face a tough task in Beijing with their group containing defending champions and world number one team Australia, along with number three in the world Holland.

In a group where just two teams go through, Pakistan, Canada and South Africa make up the competitors.

The team's junior member Ashley Jackson feels that both groups are tough and says they are only focused on their Olympic opener.

"Whichever group you look at, they're both tough," said the 20-year-old.

"There's no easy way to the semi-finals. Pakistan is our first game and we're just focusing on that.

"If we reached the semi-final and then went one better it would be absolutely fantastic.

"Physically we're the fittest we have ever been and mentally we're right on the money."

Britain came from behind to beat New Zealand 2-1 in their latest warm-up match in Macau, and will face them again on Thursday in their last outing before the tournament proper.

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