Ben Hawes

Ben Hawes is the England and Great Britain half-back that captained Team GB at the Olympic Games in 2008 and was part of the Gold-winning England Team at the 2009 EuroHockey Championships. Sportsvibe caught up with Ben for a quick chat...

How did you first get into playing hockey?

Through family at the local club in Lewes.

Did you ever think that one day you would be representing England at the Olympics?

Firstly to be politically correct it’s Great Britain! I think once I started to take hockey seriously the Olympics were the aim as this is really the top of the tree for hockey and I have always strived to get to the top. But until you are actually there I don’t think you really believe it’s possible.

You must have met plenty of amazing athletes at the Olympics, who was the most inspiring?

Many different people in different ways; its great mix with so many other sports and see how they go about their business and preparation. From the laid back attitude of someone like Usain Bolt, to the single mindedness and determination of Chris Hoy.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Qualifying and captaining GB at the Beijing Olympics was a personal highlight, but this was topped by the team achievement of winning the European Championships last summer.

You have been to two Olympic Games, are you hoping to make the squad for London 2012?

Very much so. However two years is a long time in sport and I am just focusing on tournament by tournament before this. It would be great to play my last Olympics on home soil!

You played over in Holland for three years what was that experience like?

Holland was a great experience. I played for one of the biggest and most successful teams in the game. The league over there is the best in the world and is as close to professional as it gets in Hockey.

How hard is the hockey training and what sort of exercises does it involve?

Very! Unfortunately the modern game at the top level is ever more reliant on physical fitness. We concentrate a lot on strength work for injury prevention, agility and speed maintenance so spend a good amount of time in the gym. Added to this is the pitch-based fitness, which is concentrated on speed, agility and the dreaded endurance tests! Of course a lot of time is also spent training with the balls, lots of technical and basic skill work is still important at the top level.

What tips would you give to someone just starting out in the sport?

Get the basics right. It can be monotonous but is the best way of improving.

Who is the toughest opponent you have ever faced?

Jamie Dwyer and Teun De Nooijer.

As well as playing hockey you have a job in marketing, do you ever have any free time?

Not really, at busy training times and having to work means I am training most evenings after a full days work and also all weekend. Unfortunately I am aware that after hockey I need to have the experience to go into work. It is also a good distraction sometimes.

If you were captain of England football team you would be a multi-millionaire, do you ever get jealous of other sports stars?

Yes and no; I can see the positive and negatives of both sides of the coin. The most frustrating thing is how much we put into the sport and give up to do it, which is not always recognised.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a game?

Nothing major, more little things along the course of a tournament, like wearing the same sweatband or something silly!

Unlike Ice Hockey you don’t wear much protective clothing, have you ever been hurt while playing?

Yes far too many to list. I have twice had operations to insert metal plates and screws into my cheekbones and eye socket after being hit.

Who were your sporting heroes growing up?

Kris Akibusi, Orchid, Seve Ballesteros.

Do you ever listen to music to pump yourself before a game?

Not really I tend to be more chilled out. If I do listen to something it will be more relaxing. Though hockey can be an aggressive game I always think it is a waste of energy getting all hyped up and prefer to be focused and relaxed.

What will you do once your hockey career is over?

Carry on in fashion/sports marketing or business development. I would love to own my own company or clothing brand.

What’s your favourite film?

Ferris Bueler's day off and The Hangover.

Ben Hawes is a brand ambassador for Slazenger. For more information visit: www.slazenger.com.