Hockey: King and Todd voted players of the year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leisa King and Robert Todd, two players who have had their disappointments in the sport, were yesterday honoured by the Hockey Writers Club when they were voted as the players of the year for 2002. They were presented with their awards by David Balbirnie, general secretary of the European Hockey Federation, at Peterborough's Great Northern Hotel.
King, the 30-year-old Ipswich captain who won the first of her 69 England caps against South Korea in 1997, had to wait until the arrival of Tricia Heberle as coach a couple of years ago before she was able to cement her place in the England squad, which finished with a high-class performance at the World Cup in Perth, Australia, last December. Speaking of Heberle's contribution, she said: "She really kept faith with me over the past two years and all the moments of doubt I have had in the past were brushed aside.''
Todd, another who missed out on Sydney, is set on achieving his Olympic dream in Athens. The 27-year-old investment banker made his international debut against Japan in 1999 and then had to wait nearly two years before receiving a second call to further his international career. The fast, hard-tackling defender has also become a key factor in Reading's outstanding runs at domestic and European level.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments