University of Bath graduate Mantell looks forward to debut Games
University of Bath graduate and hockey player Richard Mantell is looking forward to competing at his first Olympic Games.
The 26-year-old is a member of Team GB’s 16-strong squad for the Beijing2008 Games. He makes a piece of history in Beijing by becoming one half of the first pair of brothers to represent Great Britain at hockey at an Olympic Games; younger brother Simon is also a member of the team.
“Playing at the Olympics will be massive,” said Richard, who graduated from the University with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science two years ago. “It’s a dream for any player to go to a tournament like the Olympic Games. There’s nothing else like it and I’m very excited.
Richard played club hockey for Canterbury and Reading during his time at the University, as well as for the University of Bath team in BUSA competitions, helping the side finish runners-up to London Met. The set up at the University of Bath lends itself to allowing an elite athlete to combine sport and their studies,” he added.
Bobby Crutchley, former University of Bath head coach, is also heading to Beijing as assistant coach to the GB men’s team.
They are currently at the Team GB Preparation Camp in Macau making their final preparations for Beijing.
Mantell has won more than 50 caps for England and is approaching 30 GB caps.
For further information please contact the Team Bath press office at Matchtight Ltd on 01225 383518 or by email at press@matchtight.co.uk
You can also find out more about Team Bath at www.teambath.com , follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teambath or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/teambath
The University of Bath is The Sunday Times University of the Year 2011/12.
