Olympics 2024: ‘Huge moment’ for Scottish hockey representation

Sarah Robertson believes having four Scottish players in the Team GB hockey squad for this summer’s Olympics in Paris represents “a huge moment” for the sport north of the border.

The 30-year-old is joined in the squad by fellow midfielder Lee Morton, defender Amy Costello and forward Charlotte Watson.

Robertson was the only Scottish hockey player picked for the last games in Tokyo, while there were none in the squad for Rio 2016.

“I think it is a huge moment for Scottish hockey,” she told BBC Scotland, describing the numbers as “unprecedented”.

“I know a lot of work has been done on the pathway in Scotland, so hopefully this is the new normal.”

Robertson explained that, apart from Laura Bartlett and Emily Maguire, it was rare to see a Scot in the British team when she was growing up

“I think of the classic phrase of you have got to see it to be it,” she said. “I felt it was so important for Scottish hockey to have a Scottish representative on the team for Tokyo, so I certainly carried a sense of responsibility there to live up to my potential and to get into the team.”

Robertson points out that Lee Morton is part of the men’s squad, while Jess Buchanan is reserve goalkeeper for their female counterparts.

“Lee in the boy’s squad I think is a landmark moment in the men’s team,” she said, suggesting that such representation will “play a role in inspiring people”.

The Borders-born attacking midfielder believes that Great Britain playing more games together, as opposed to England alone, has been “a huge factor”.

“But also I think Scottish Hockey has done a great job in terms of producing the next generation of players,” Robertson said.

She highlighted that Scotland’s own team are ranked 16th in the world, not far behind the top 12 who qualify for the Olympics.

With 116 Scotland caps and 91 GB caps to her name, Robertson is taking plenty of experience to Paris.

She played a significant role as Team GB’s women took bronze in Japan, scoring in the 4-3 victory over India that secured the medal, and has high hopes that they can extend a run of top three finishes at each of the last three Games.

“Without stating the obvious, the expectation is always to be on the podium,” she added. “We will certainly be aiming high.”