Gareth Furlong enjoyed a dream Olympic debut, scoring twice as Team GB's men's hockey team secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Spain in their opening group game at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir.
The 148-cap Wales international, who honed his skills with Cambridge Nomads, was joined on the scoresheet by Nick Park and Rupert Shipperley in a dominant display that showcased the team's ambition for success in Paris.
Furlong, only added to the GB squad earlier this year, has wasted no time making his mark. The 32-year-old, who scored on his debut, is clearly relishing the opportunity. "I still have to pinch myself sometimes, things have moved quickly over the past six months," he said. "Starting with three points in the first game is crucial. Everyone was ready to go, and it's a perfect start."
"Our preparation has been excellent," he added. "We had some productive training games and we've been building towards this first match. Scoring is part of my role, and it's great to see the work pay off."
Park's moment of brilliance settled British nerves early in the match. The defender, pushing high up the pitch, intercepted the ball and expertly finished into the top corner.
Furlong's first goal arrived in the 16th minute when he confidently fired a shot between the legs of Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado following a short corner. He repeated the feat with 12 minutes remaining, solidifying Team GB's dominance.
Shipperley, whose 14-week-old niece Olive was among the spectators, capped off the victory with a close-range finish. This victory marked only Team GB's second Olympic win over Spain in eight encounters.
The team is brimming with confidence and aiming for a podium finish in Paris, perhaps even a first gold since Seoul 1988. However, Furlong is keeping his focus firmly on their next group game, against South Africa, on Sunday.
"The result is fantastic, but we need to keep building throughout the tournament," said Furlong. "We gave them a few too many chances, and Ollie [Payne] in goal played superbly. If we want to win gold, we have work to do, but we have the confidence to achieve it. We'll prepare well for South Africa and build on this momentum."
Furlong, like many of his teammates, is a beneficiary of the National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, which provides elite athletes with access to world-class coaches, pioneering medical support and the opportunity to train full-time. This crucial support has played a vital role in his journey to the Paris 2024 Games.
