Olympic umpire appointments for Martin Madden and Sarah Wilson

Scotland’s Sarah Wilson and Martin Madden had cause for celebration last week as their appointments to umpire at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio as representatives of Great Britain were announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Both individuals participated in the Road to Rio programme, which identified umpires who demonstrated the potential to be selected for the tournament in Brazil next summer.

Their selection comes on the back of years of hard work and commitment to achieve their ambitions.

After receiving the news of his appointment, Martin Madden said, “It’s an amazing feeling as I have been working towards this since I saw my dad [Craig] going to the Seoul Olympics [in 1988].

“It is the pinnacle of my umpiring career.”

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(Martin Madden during the European Championship final in London. Photo Credit: Ady Kerry)

Madden has featured in a number of high profile competitions in recent years, including umpiring the 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold Medal match, the 2014 World Cup 3rd/4th play-off and the EuroHockey Nations Championship final in London.

He follows in the footsteps of father Craig, holder of a FIH Gold Whistle, who officiated at both the Seoul and Atlanta Olympic Games.

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah Wilson, said, “It is an absolute honour to be selected for the Olympic Games in Rio 2016. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember. To be representing Great Britain is such a privilege and I am really proud to have achieved this.

“I have umpired at some incredible tournaments but nothing compares to that of the Olympics. I now need to work hard over the next 10 months to be in the best physical and mental shape possible to ensure the best performance for the games.”

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(Sarah Wilson umpires during the World Hockey League. Photo Credit: Catherine Poels)

Like Madden, Wilson recently umpired the EuroHockey Nations Championship final in August, and was also recently elevated to the World Development Panel by the FIH.

Scottish Hockey Chief Executive David Sweetman added, “I am delighted at the appointment of both Sarah and Martin to umpire at the Rio Olympics.

“It is a fantastic achievement and reflects their hard work, commitment and sustained high levels of performance. Credit also needs to go to all the volunteers that have helped support Sarah, Martin and our other international and aspiring umpires to improve and reach their potential.

We have a proud history of providing umpires and officials for Olympic Games and I am thrilled for both Sarah and Martin that they will have the chance to officiate at the pinnacle of our sport next year.”

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