Ali Wilson

Ali Wilson is a defender who has represented Great Britain at the 2008 Bejing Olympics and won Gold at the 2009 EuroHockey Championships. When he is not playing international hockey, he plys his trade for Beeston Hockey club. Sportsvibe caught up with Ali to shoot a couple of questions at him...

With your dad an International Umpire, was Hockey always your sport of preference?

Hockey has always been my main sport - Both my parents played, so it was one of the first I tried, but I played most sports when I was at school.

What appeals to you most about Hockey?

I like the combination of athleticism and skill needed to play. The game is fast and there are usually lots of goals.

How does it feel to represent your country at the highest level and play at the Olympics?

It was a massive honour- I’ve always dreamed of representing GB at the Olympics. The whole experience was great, meeting all the other sports people, the tradition, the opening ceremony, and the fact we played well made it even more special.

Did you have any sporting heroes when growing up? And what impression did they have on you?

My parents were the biggest influence on me. They were very supportive and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help. Ian Botham was an inspiration when I was younger. I always liked the way he was so talented, had such a will to win, but still knew how to have a good time.

Who is the best Hockey player you have faced?

Probably Teun De Nooijer when I first started playing for England. Now I’d say Jamie Dwyer – he’s a very complete player. Very skilful, fast and agile which makes him tough to play against

Do you follow or play any other sports?

I play golf, squash, and ski when I can. I like to watch rugby too.

According to your Great Britain Hockey profile, your nickname is ‘Willow’. What’s that about and how did you get that nickname?

Willow, Wilson, nothing to tell really.

How do you balance hockey and working?

Its not easy, although I don’t do much work so that helps! I’ve been coaching at Oakham School this term. They are very keen on hockey and have been very flexible around my training schedule. 

You were a part of the team who won gold at the 2009 EuroHockey Tournament. Describe that feeling of winning gold at a major championships.

It was amazing. We were so proud of the way we played in that tournament and that our hard work is starting to pay off.  It was great after the match, everyone’s friends and family were there to share the experience with us. I don’t remember much after that point though...

What would you say is your most memorable moment in hockey?

I’ve had a few so its hard to choose. Winning gold at the Euros was amazing, as was the last World Cup (2006 in Germany), which was the first time I played in front of a really huge crowd. Off the pitch, walking out at the opening ceremony in Beijing was something I’ll never forget.

Following the success at the EuroHockey Tournament, you now have the World Cup in Delhi. Is there an expectation for success? And how does this expectation affect the team and preparations?

I don’t think it really affects us. We’ve always had high expectations of ourselves – we know we are capable of playing well and beating any team on our day. This tournament is no different.

Considering the successes in Hockey, it should get more attention from people, but it still remains a sport in the shadows. What is it about Hockey, which doesn’t get it more of a media profile?

I think the fact that the National team hasn’t won much makes a big difference. If we want more coverage its up to us to earn it. The sport hasn’t always been presented well on television when it has got coverage either. I think the rules should be made as simple as possible to allow non-players to get interested. The England Hockey Board have done a lot of work to make the game and its presentation more attractive to crowds and television recently, so hopefully that will help too.

Do you find there are more people playing hockey nowadays, or is there not that interest that comes with the other field sports?

Its tough to tell really. I know my club (Beeston in Nottingham) get really good numbers down to the kids training on Sundays, so that’s encouraging. The sport is still played in lots of schools too. Hopefully if we keep winning things and hockey gets more T.V. interest then more people will want to start playing.

What is the training regime like for a hockey player? What type of things does it involve and how does it change when leading up to a major tournament?

Our training varies quite a lot depending on the time of year and what is coming up. Lots of hockey, sometimes in regional sessions, sometimes on longer National team camps, sometimes with our clubs. We also do a couple of running and a couple of weights sessions every week. Nearer tournaments we are together a lot more and the training increases a lot.

What do you and the rest of the squad do to relax before tournaments or matches?

When we’re away for tournaments there is a lot of down time. I’d say Facebook and DVD’s take up most of my time. Other than that there is a lot of corridor cricket, cards and winding up of certain other players.

Who is your best pal in hockey?

In the current England team I probably spend most time with Ben Hawes and Rob Moore – they’re both as cynical and moany as me.

Any funny stories or anecdotes you can tell us?

Anything that comes out of Andrew Hudson’s (our strength and conditioning coach) mouth. He isn’t trying to be funny, but usually ends up making all the lads laugh. All the best stories are probably not for sharing.

How would you like to be remembered in the sport?

As an Olympic Gold medallist, and a good lad.

Ali Wilson is a brand ambassador for Slazenger. For more information visit: www.slazenger.com.