London 2012 Olympics: Laura Bartlett hopes team can set aside disappointment and capture bronze

By TOM REYNOLDS
Published on 09/08/2012 12:34

LAURA BARTLETT is adamant Britain’s women’s hockey team won’t be leaving London 2012 without a medal to declare despite their crushing semi-final defeat last night.

Victory against the reigning world champions Argentina would have guaranteed Bartlett, and fellow Scot Emily Maguire, at least a silver medal from a final showdown with the Netherlands.

However, a 2-1 defeat by the world No. 1s left them needing to pick themselves up in double quick time for a bronze medal play-off with New 
Zealand.

The tears flowed for the British side in the aftermath of their defeat, one in which the home side dominated after the break. However, Bartlett insists that upset will be channelled into determination in time for 
tomorrow’s must-win clash with the Kiwis.

“We will give ourselves a bit of time to reflect on the defeat and what happened but then we will quickly concentrate on the task we have got to do now,” she said. “We have worked so hard for this Olympics that we don’t want to come away empty-handed and without a medal and that is what we will concentrate on making sure doesn’t happen now.

“These girls will give everything in that bronze medal game to make sure we get it.”

Bartlett, Maguire and the rest of the British team were always facing a mountain to climb after a first half which saw the Argentines bag two goals – through Noel Barrionuevo and Carla Rebecchi.

n Bank of Scotland, proud supporter of Team GB and proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Get closer to the Games at bankofscotland.co.uk/London2012