Canterbury hockey player Mel Clewlow says that being selected for the Beijing Olympics means that the hard work is only just beginning.

Clewlow was delighted to be named in Great Britain’s 16-strong women’s team on Tuesday, but admitted that the next couple of months will be all-important as they complete their preparations.

The 32-year-old defender explained: "I think this is one of the most competitive squads I’ve been involved with and those players who have not been selected have pushed those who have all the way.

"For all my experience I’ve never taken selection for granted, but being picked is just the start."

Clewlow is the most capped player in the squad, having made 179 England appearances and 71 more for GB since making her international debut in 1996.

Her clubmate Jen Wilson will also be in Beijing, having been sleected for South Africa.