Monday 30 July 2012

Captain Kate Hopes to Keep Playing


Great Britain captain Kate Walsh has had surgery to insert a plate in a fractured jaw but her participation in the Olympics has not been ruled out.

The 32-year-old had surgery this morning but the medical advice is that it should not preclude her from playing, Team GB have confirmed.

A decision on whether she can or not will be taken when it can be assessed how well she has recovered from the operation.

Walsh was hit in the face by a stick late on in last night's 4-0 win over Japan in their opening match.

"Team GB women's hockey captain Kate Walsh has this morning (Monday) received treatment in hospital for a fractured mandible (jaw) which she sustained in the closing stages of Great Britain's 4-0 victory over Japan on Sunday evening," read a BOA statement.

"Walsh was accidentally hit on the left side of her jaw by a stick while making a tackle four minutes from the end of the match at the Riverbank Arena.

"Walsh left the field of play and was immediately taken to hospital for assessment. This morning she successfully underwent a surgical operation to stabilise the fracture with a plate. Her recovery from the operation will be monitored and her ongoing participation in the Olympic Games will be reviewed following her return to the athletes' village.

"The injury itself is not expected to prevent Walsh from playing hockey. Her continued participation is dependent on her recovery from the surgery and this will be assessed on an ongoing basis over the coming days. She is in good spirits and wishes to thank the hospital staff who have cared for her and all of those who have wished her well via social media."


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