Profile: Richard Mantell (Great Britain, Player)

Name: Richard Mantell

Age: 26
Birthplace: Bridgewater, Somerset
Residence: Windsor
Occupation: Full-time marketing agent at Brandwidth Marketing
First International Game: 2003, against Belgium in Canterbury Hockey Club
Main International Competitions: 2006 World Cup (5th place)

When did you start playing hockey, and why?
Both my parents played hockey.  My father coached at Norfolk School in the West Country where I went. I played all the way through as I was growing up.

Who was the greatest influence on your hockey career, and why?
My father used to play for Toslon Bale in the West Country; as a result I developed as a young age a great interest for the game along with my brother who still plays with me.

What was the highlight of your hockey career?
2003, Winning the European Cup with my Hockey Club.

And the lowest point?
2002, I had a knee injury and it took me 6 months to recover; then I did it again after 4 months of playing...  It took me another 4 months to be ready to play again so it was a hard year. We were preparing for the Commonwealth Games, I wanted to get back on the pitch, back playing. It helped me in my recovery, however I did not make the Commonwealth Games’ Team.  I made the World Cup Qualifier’s Team where we were successful, helping to set the stage for a good 2006 World Cup performance.

Is there a team that you find especially hard to play against?
There are a lot of teams that are hard to play; the international game is so close now.  For example in Europe: Germany, Holland, Spain; and this year Belgium showed how good they have become by qualifying directly to the Olympic Games.  If you look outside Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and the list goes on and on.

Who has been an inspiration for your hockey career?
My father: he was a hockey player himself and coached me, I remember him waking us up to watch the1988 Olympic final where GB won the Gold Medal, a great start to my hockey journey!  Also David Hacker, who played in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney: he coached me at school and took me to Country Hockey Club, my first club; he had a great impact in my development.  Also John Coops: he coached my club and had great success. And of course Jason Lee, our leader for the last 4 years with the National Team.

What do you like most about hockey and what frustrates you the most?
I like winning, I enjoy been part of a team and the fact hockey is a physical demanding game; I think is a great game!

If you could change one thing about hockey, what would it be?
I do not know what I would change; I like the way it is.

What do you get out of competing at this high level?
I enjoy playing against the best in the word and being challenge to find solutions to beat them.

What do you do during tournaments to relax?
When we are away for a long time the way we relax varies depending how many rest days we have:  watching DVDs, reading, active recovery like sightseeing.

What are your interests outside hockey?
I enjoy my work and watching other sports.

What is one piece of advice you would give to young players?
Play a sport you enjoy and play as many as you can for as long as you can, until you select one, then focus all your efforts to achieve your highest potential.

What do you consider to be your asset to your team?
My passing, my distribution and my penalty corner’s role.

Can you apply competitive career’s skills to your professional career?
Definitively, everything we do in hockey is all being a part of a team, making sure we all are going in the same direction. At work, it is the same, we are always working as a group, the same skills are transferable, and that is why I am making sure to be successful in the field so I can transfer those skills after retiring from international hockey.

If you had a chance to do anything you like, what would it be?
Play tennis and golf. With hockey, stand on the Olympic Podium!