21 March 2023 , 12:55
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British Olympic hockey legend Maddie Hinch has confirmed her retirement - declaring the "tank is empty" after an exhausting 15-year career in the sport.
The 34-year-old Olympic gold-medallist made her international debut in 2008 and walks away as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever to grace the game.
Hinch famously inspired Team GB to a first-ever women's hockey gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, saving all four penalties in the final to stop the dominant Netherlands from claiming a third successive crown.
She was the hero of the 2016 triumph, and helped GB claim bronze at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, before completing the lot with gold for England at last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
But Hinch - who took a nine-month break from the sport in 2018 - will not be involved at Paris 2024 as she penned an emotional statement announcing her retirement from professional hockey.
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"They say that when you know, you know, and I just know. The time is right," Hinch's statement read. "The 15-year commitment to full-time international hockey, physically, mentally and emotionally has taken its toll, the tank is empty.
Hinch made four penalty saves in an epic performance at the Rio 2016 gold medal match (PA Archive/PA Images)"I have always believed that to be the best and to succeed, you have to be 'all-in'. As difficult as this is for me to write, I know I can no longer give 100% of me to the number one shirt and so I have decided to retire."
Hinch ends her career having made an incredible 186 appearances for England and Great Britain sides. She was made an MBE in the 2017 New Year's Honours List for her services to hockey and was named FIH World Goalkeeper of the Year three years in a row from 2016-2018.
The hockey icon added: "I have lived my childhood dream and given all that I can give to the badge so this feels like the perfect symmetry to go start the next chapter in my life.
"Thank you for an unforgettable 15 years. GB & England Hockey will always be part of me, ingrained in my life and soul."