Name: Sarah Thomas
Sport: Hockey

Competed at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

How did you start playing sport?
Initially I would play sport with my friends after school just outside or in the local kickabout. Then in school, I tried all different kinds of sports.

What sports did you play when you were a child?
Everything from cricket, tennis, netball, touch rugby, athletics, gymnastics and of course hockey.

What do you enjoy about sport?
I really enjoy the feeling I get when I score a goal or after having trained. I enjoy the fact I play a team sport so I get to make lots of friends and enjoy the success with them.

How do you keep fit and healthy?
I train six days a week with my hockey schedule and I go to the gym. I also try to eat foods that I know will allow me to play the best I can (I make a mean healthy pasta dish) the night before a game. I also sleep lots which is key to allowing my body to recover so iI can train hard in my next session.

Who was the biggest influence on your sporting career?
My parents; without their support - driving me to games, paying my match fees when I was a child - then I would not be where I am today. In terms of hockey, my first International coach Margaret Medlow had a massive affect on how I approached the sport.

How important do you think Dragon Sport is?
Dragon sport is a key initiative which allows children to try all kinds of sports and hopefully give them the opportunity to pursue their dreams in a sport of their choice. This is so important when you are a child because not only does it allow you to interact with your peers, give you the opportunity to be fit and healthy but it also gives children the chance to feel good about themselves.

What impact do you think Dragon Sport will have on Welsh sport?
Surely it can only provide us with more stars and role models for the future. Making Welsh sport even stronger!!