From Worksop to Tokyo
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dam Dixon, Tom Sorsby, Sam Ward. These very different people with three things very much in common; their school, their passion for hockey, and their team. 2021 was a monumental summer and a significant moment in Worksop College’s history, as not one, not two, but three OWs took to Tokyo to form part of Team GB’s Hockey squad. After a year full of cancelled events, a ban on socialisation, and sporting events being a huge no-no, we were delighted to join together to celebrate The Olympics; not just as a nation, but to celebrate the sporting achievements of three phenomenal men from within our own community. Our story begins in 2003, the year that Adam Dixon came up the drive for the very first time. His ability was immediately recognised by Trevor Franse, then Director of Hockey, who appointed him as Captain within days of his arrival. With enthusiastic coaching, along with determination and teamwork, Dixon led the team to many victories during his time at school.
Our OWs as they touched down in Tokyo
After leaving the College, Dixon went from strength to strength - hailed as one of the finest players of his generation. He made his first international debut in 2009 and, over the years, achieved 283 caps for Great Britain and England. In 2019 he was announced as the Captain of Team GB and England, to the delight of teammates and fellow OWs, Tom Sorsby and Sam Ward, along with Ollie Willars. Next to join the Worksop hockey contingent was Sam Ward in 2004. His journey to Tokyo, however, wasn’t a straightforward one, as he sustained a horrific injury just 19 months prior to the Olympics, an injury that threatened his future in the sport. Sam was struck in the face during a qualifier game against Malaysia, which saw him needing have to have four metal plates and 31 screws in his head, along with the loss of vision in his left eye. Astonishingly, this didn’t stop Ward’s pursuit of making it to Tokyo, and he returned to international hockey in May of 2021, wearing a face mask for protection. Sam’s strength of character and resilience was truly inspiring.
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Sorsby, Dixon and Ward at the opening ceremony
