WOMENS HOCKEY Wilkinson retires from internationals
- Details
- Created on Monday, 06 March 2023 09:16
- Last Updated on Thursday, 09 March 2023 06:24
- Published on Monday, 06 March 2023 09:16
- Written by SYDNEY DAVIES at Hockey Wales
Wales captain and Great Britain international defender Leah Wilkinson has retired from international hockey after winning 204 caps.Burton-on-Trent born Wilkinson, 36, is Wales’ most capped ever sports person, featuring in four Commonwealth games, nine European Championships and winning a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics for Team GB.
She took over captaincy of Wales in 2018 while continuing to fulfil her commitments as a full-time history teacher.
Leah will continue to play domestic club hockey for top Women’s Hockey League Premier Division side Surbiton.
She said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from international hockey.
“Having played for Wales for nearly two decades, I know that the time is right, and though I will miss representing Wales an immeasurable amount, I firmly believe that the squad is in a great place and will continue to move up the world rankings.
“Reflecting on my time playing for Wales, I have endless memories, from travelling across Russia in a bus to playing in front of thousands of people in the Gold Coast.
“I have been so lucky; I have travelled the world, played in European and Commonwealth Games, playing against some of the best teams and players in the world.
“I have been coached by some world class coaches and more important than anything, I have played alongside some incredible women.
“I would like to thank everyone who have been involved in my journey with Hockey Wales since 2004, I will forever be grateful.
“Thank you also to my family and friends who have supported me throughout my journey, it’s been a rollercoaster for us all!
“I will continue to support the team from a distance and wish them the very best. Thank you for everything.”
Wales Women’s Head Coach, Kevin Johnson said: “It is almost too difficult to communicate the full impact and legacy of Leah’s contribution to Welsh hockey.
“Her longevity at the top level was certainly achieved as a result of the extremely high professional standards she set and met for herself.”
There are plans to celebrate the career of Leah and other recently retired Welsh players during the course of the upcoming international summer of match activity.
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