Hockey hero’s Games honour
GOLD MEDALLIST UNSWORTH HANDS OVER FLAG FOR VICTORIA’S 2026 SHOWPIECE
HOCKEY hero Laura Unsworth revealed she was speechless after being given the honour of handing the Commonwealth Games Federation flag to Australia for Victoria 2026 at Birmingham’s closing ceremony yesterday, writes Josh Graham and Tom Harle of Sportsbeat in Birmingham.
England’s most decorated hockey player Unsworth, 34, was the first athlete ever to be bestowed the privilege after helping her side win a first Commonwealth gold over Australia on her fourth attempt.
The Loughborough University graduate, who is approaching the 300-appearance mark, said: “It’s an absolute honour to hand it over in my home city of Birmingham to Victoria.
“I was speechless when I was asked. Birmingham has put on a fantastic Games, and for me the highlight has got to be winning that gold medal on my fourth time trying.
“It’s been an absolute whirlwind and the best 24 hours of my life.
“The city has been alive and the crowds at every single game have been incredible; they have been our 12th man at times.”
After winning three previous Commonwealth medals, Unsworth finally came away with the colour she had always wanted in her hometown.
England outclassed Australia with a masterful performance gilded by first-half strikes from Holly Hunt and Tess Howard that secured a 2-1 victory and sparked delirious celebrations.
Goalkeeper and another Loughborough University graduate Maddie Hinch, 33, was happy to be a spectator during England’s triumph.
Hinch said: “I knew it could be a game of moments. I had a couple of things to do and they can be harder, those games.
“I’m happy to stand there and do absolutely nothing as long as we win.”
Hinch, a spectator for the first 45 minutes, was first called into action seconds into the fourth quarter when she kick-saved Jane Claxton’s close-range snapshot.
White-line fever began to creep in but as always Hinch had the coolest head in the postcode, saving first at the near post and then smothering a well-worked Australian penalty corner.
Reflecting on England’s victory, Hinch said: “This is right up there in my career, because of this stage and being at home.
“Off the back of so many low moments along the way, I’ve come here and lived the fairytale.
“I had so many goosebumps about the idea of doing this but you know the challenges that lie ahead.
“Defensively, we were outstanding all tournament and I think that set the tone.”
Hinch has had her fair share of struggles in recent years that made victory on home soil all the sweeter.
She said: “Sport is a rollercoaster ride. This is an unbelievable high, there’ll be many more highs and lows.
“You can’t take these occasions lightly, I’m so glad we stayed in the moment, didn’t get carried away and were able to bring these dreams to life.
“I don’t think the reality of what we’ve done will set in until we go home, watch it back and see our friends and families. I’m delighted.” ■ National Lottery players raise more than £30 million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing things happen at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag: #TNLAthletes.