Alan Forsyth: Scotland's hockey captain admits Olympic snub still rankles as he prepares for Birmingham 2022

Team Scotland hockey captain Alan Forsyth says he will never get over being overlooked for Tokyo last year as he prepares to lead out his nation at his fourth Commonwealth Games.

Forsyth, who was only selected as a reserve for the Olympic Games last summer, is still devastated by the decision and may face his GB teammates in Birmingham later this month.

But the Paisley-born forward is raring to go in Scotland colours ahead of this summer’s Games, where they face a group brimming with quality in the form of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan.

And the 30-year-old is taking confidence from a squad packed with youth and talent.

Forsyth said: “This is probably the toughest group out of the four for me. All the teams are world class.

“It’s a really exciting team and a young squad. It makes me feel old seeing all the young kids come through.

“I remember when that was me and I still sometimes think that’s me. I need to realise it’s most definitely not. I’ll try and help them in any way possible.”

But going into the Games, being left out of last summer's Olympics still strikes a nerve with the HGC player.

Team Scotland hockey captain Alan Forsyth celebrates scoring a goal during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

He said: “I’ll never understand why they made their decision.

“It’s the competitive side within me. Maybe when the time comes, when I hang the stick up I can look back at it, but right now I’m just so competitive.

“With anything I play, whether it’s playing golf with my mates on the weekend or playing board games with my girlfriend there’s always that side to me.

“I’m honestly still disappointed. I’ll never get over it.

A day-by-day guide for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games

“It’s something that I’ll always hold on to, but I’m just trying to learn to live with it.

“Luckily, I’ve had some time off. I’ve needed some time to try to get over it.

“I took a break over Christmas, the first time I’ve had a break in my hockey career, about six weeks off. It was nice and definitely helped.”

This summer, Team Scotland, supported by funding raised by National Lottery players, will comprise of over 250 athletes, and having secured his place on the squad, Forsyth is looking for medal success.

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games set to inspire people and communities across the country this summer, Forsyth hopes sharing his story will give others motivation to get involved in sport and turn their dreams into reality.

Thankfully a welcome distraction is right around the corner for a captain who has plenty of happy memories to look back on.

The Scot made his Commonwealth debut in Dehli in 2010, and has a signed top from his first Commonwealth Games framed on his bedroom wall and says it will always remain his favourite – even ahead of Glasgow 2014.

“I loved every bit of Delhi. The whole thing was just surreal.

“Obviously with it being my first one it’s very special.

“I’ve got a top signed from all three Commonwealth Games, but that’s the only one framed and hung up.”

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