From Worksop to Tokyo

Adam 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.

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. Our OWs as they touched down in Tokyo

Sorsby, Dixon and Ward at the opening ceremony

Nine years after Sam’s arrival at Worksop College, teammate Tom Sorsby began his journey as a Worksopian. He captained the school team and made a lasting impression on both his peers and teachers. Keith Taylor, Director of Hockey during Tom’s school days, has fond memories of Tom, saying “As a student he was, and continues to be, a self-improver. He was a true Worksopian, inspiring and leading those around him.” Following his time at Worksop College, Tom has had a whirlwind career; from starting at Chapeltown HC and Rotherham HC, to making his International debut in 2019.

In June 2021, it was announced that all three men would form part of the Team GB Hockey squad at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Tom was thrilled when he found out the news, telling us at the time, “To be honest it’s not really sunk in yet, but my main emotion is just one of genuine excitement. Whist I am very grateful for being selected, my aim wasn’t just to make it to Tokyo, but to try and help the team achieve something out there.”

“Whilst I am very grateful for being selected, my aim wasn’t just to make it to Tokyo, but to try and help the team achieve something out there.”

After touching down on Japanese ground, South Africa was the first team to rival the boys, but our OWs weren’t fazed. Just two minutes into the game, Sam Ward kicked off their scoring streak, followed by two of his teammates to ensure their 3-1 victory. This success saw them straight through to the next match against Canada. Thanks to Canada’s admirable defending, there were many failed attempts at scoring for Team GB. Sam Ward, however, came back with a vengeance, scoring an impressive goal with a drag flick from a penalty corner. The game went on to see team GB take a 3-1 lead over Canada.

The next game was against Germany who unfortunately, inflicted our OWs’ first defeat of the Games. Adam Dixon spoke of the loss, saying, “This is just a little hiccup. It hurts a little bit more because it’s Germany, but we’ve got to pick ourselves up because we’ve got two big games and we want to finish this pool stage off in a strong position. We’ll be kicking ourselves after that result today, but we’ve got to turn it around in 48 hours’ time.” The boys certainly did that, making a dramatic comeback during their game against the Netherlands with a 2-2 draw, ensuring they reached the quarter-finals.

In a nail-biting match against India, our dreams of a medal were sadly not meant to be and our OWs’ time in Tokyo reached its conclusion with a 3-1 defeat. After two incredible weeks, the mighty occasion came to a close, and although they may have felt deflated, team GB had so much to celebrate. It was a hugely successful Olympics – a massive improvement on previous years, but its biggest success lay in its ability to raise the spirits of our community here at Worksop, and the entire nation. After a year of lockdowns and social distancing, team GB gave us something to truly look forward to. As a community, it was a thrill to watch our OWs representing the country – a real reminder of what is possible with sheer grit, determination and hard work.

OWs in the spotlight

Sam Ward celebrating a goal against South Africa

Tom Sorsby playing in the opening match

Dixon in Team GB’s final match of Tokyo 2020