Showjumping fall was hockey star’s big break
As a talented showjumper chosen to ride for Great Britain, a glittering career in sport seemed certain.
But when 14-year-old Katie Robertson fell badly during a show, her confidence was shattered as surely as her shoulder and collarbone.
six years on, however, the now 20-year-old student has told how the accident turned out to be her big break – into the world of professional hockey.
Miss Robertson, who is studying for a Bsc in sport and psychology at Abertay University in Dundee, refused to let the fall from her horse Atlantic swift derail her sporting career.
Instead, she turned to hockey – and quickly rose up the rankings. By 16, she was playing for the scotland under-18s and is now competing at full international level.
Miss Robertson, of Freuchie, in Fife, said: ‘I did ride a couple of times after (the accident), but I didn’t have the confidence to really go for it.
‘I took up hockey because I wanted something to fill up my time and it has just gone on from there. We are training just now for World League 3 in Brussels in June and if we reach the quarter-final stages then we qualify for the World Cup in London next year.
‘It is such an honour to play for your country. I have a tear in my eye every time I pull on the jersey and the national anthem is playing.’
she is on an elite athlete development programme at university and is studying part-time to allow her to concentrate on her career. she said: ‘The support I have had here at Abertay has been incredible.
‘It is fantastic to be surrounded by so many talented staff and students.’
After graduating, she hopes to stay in sport, both as a competitor and a coach.