By Mohamed Hamza

Hockey star Jack Waller believes the prestige of Paris 2024 will bring out the best in his hockey as he prepares for a second Olympic Games.  

Waller made his international debut for Great Britain in 2018 and has already accumulated over half-a-century's worth of caps, making his Olympic bow at Tokyo 2020.

While the 62-cap veteran arrives in the French capital tried and tested, he is no less eager for another tilt at a medal - a possible first for the men's side since Seoul 1988.  

He said: “We’ve been very clear with our objectives, right from the start of the cycle. For us, it’s about podiums and being the most successful GB men’s team in hockey.  

“That’s our expectation but we’ve got other expectations like having a good time. These moments don’t come often and you have to enjoy it and make the most of it and we feel if we do that that gives us the best chance of delivering our best game on the pitch as well.  

“The mood is phenomenal. We have such a togetherness in the squad. We all get along really well and have known each other for many years. We’re positive and excited for the tournament to start.  

“It’s something you always look forward to in our sport. Since I joined in 2018, we’ve had the Pro League and these one-off fixtures that go out throughout the year but you’re always looking through your diary for the games in the summer.  

“I feel like my best hockey comes in tournaments and I feel excited to show that.”

The men’s side bring a fresh squad to Paris, with stalwarts Waller, Ollie Payne, Sam Ward and captain David Ames set to star alongside seven Olympic debutants in the 16-strong squad.  

With Paris 2024 featuring a full-capacity crowd for the first time since Rio 2016, following the Covid-affected Tokyo Games, Waller is hopeful that the team’s all-action style of play will attract more support for the side as they look to make history and achieve a first Olympic medal in 35 years. 

He added: “We spoke a lot this cycle about getting coaches and fans to come and follow us wherever we go and that’s something I’ve felt as the cycle’s gone on.  

“People are enjoying our brand of hockey and having the fans cheering drives us and pushes us and that’s something we wanted, to bring everyone and the whole nation behind us.  

“That support goes such a long way in tournaments and hopefully we can have that again in the next few weeks.”

Team GB open their campaign against Spain on 27 July, and can look forward to bouts with reigning world champions Germany and reigning European champions Netherlands in Group A.  

Also on the horizon are France and South Africa, with the top four at the pool’s conclusion advancing to the quarter-finals.  

The refurbished Stade Yves-du-Manoir – the only venue to feature at both the 2024 and 1924 Games – will host every game.    

Great Britain invites you to Summer of Hockey - an experience like no other. Get involved now https://www.greatbritainhockey.co.uk/olympics/paris-2024/paris-2024-fixtures