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Search forMarsden wins Olympic place
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 08:00
Cheltenham product Marsden, 28, was named yesterday in the 16-man squad for the Games, where Britain will face Pakistan, Holland, South Africa, Canada and Australia in their group.
Surbiton defender Marsden began his rise to the top at Charlton Kings Junior School, helping them to the Under-11 County Championship, before going on to Balcarras School, and a sports scholarship at Dean Close School, where he skippered the first XI.
He has been with Surbiton for five seasons, but has also gained valuable experience with spells in Australia and Spain.
“Playing at the Olympics has been my lifelong dream,” said Marsden. “It has always been at the forefront of my mind.
“We found out the squad last Friday, so have had to keep quiet, and obviously I am delighted.”
Marsden, who was playing in Australia when Great Britain took part in the 2004 Games in Athens, feels that Britain have a good chance of reaching the latter stages.
The top two sides from each of the six-team pools proceed to the battle for the medals, and Marsden believes that two games hold the key.
“The group could be worse – in fact the other group is probably tougher, so we are quite happy with the draw,” he said.
“We have beaten Pakistan recently and have won our last three games against South Africa. We had a blip against Canada in Ireland recently, but usually we should beat them.
“So we are happy that there are three teams we feel we should beat, and that leaves Holland and Australia, against whom we will have go all out for a result.
“If we played Holland or Australia 10 times, we would win three or four of them, and they are the crunch games for us.
“We feel we will have to beat one of them to get through.”
Marsden's father Peter – whom he cites as the biggest influence on his career – and mother Alana will be in Beijing for the Games.
“We are absolutely delighted,” said Peter. “We know how much hard work and dedication has gone into this.
“It is also a great credit to all those people in Cheltenham who have helped him over the years at Cheltenham Junior Hockey Club and Dean Close School.”
Olympic schedule: August 11 v Pakistan (3.30am BST); August 13 v Netherlands (2pm BST); August 15 v South Africa (2pm BST); August 17 v Canada (1.30am BST); August 19 v Australia (1.30pm BST). Semi-finals: August 21; Gold and bronze medal matches: August 23.
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