Goodfield keeping back injury at bay ahead of Paris 2024

By Tom Harle

David Goodfield insists he’ll do everything in his power to ensure back problems don’t impact his first Olympic appearance.

Goodfield is one of seven debutants in a 16-strong men’s squad bound for Paris 2024.

The 31-year-old is preparing to take to the biggest stage in sport under the cloud of disc issues that mean he is still in need of game time ahead of Team GB’s first group match on 27 July.

In mid-November, previous issues with his back reared their ugly head again and the pain continues to arrive without warning.

“It’s been tough to get back fit and get selected for the squad,” said Goodfield. “The last six or seven months have been the hardest ever.

“The issues came back with a massive vengeance in November. From November until eight weeks ago, I didn’t really play a huge amount of hockey.

“I was able to do everything required rehab-wise, but actual time on the pitch was pretty limited.

“The timing was always going to be really tight. The nature of my back is that you don’t get a warning sign that it’s going to go, it just goes and you can either play or you can’t play.

“I’ve been doing everything I can with the physios and doctors to make sure I do survive. It will be the same in the next few weeks to make sure I can kick on on the pitch.”

Goodfield used the recent block of FIH Pro League games at Lee Valley to prove his fitness and the upcoming run of matches in Utrecht in the immediate build-up to Paris will be crucial.

“I definitely don’t feel like I’m quite there yet,” said Goodfield. “I have a bit more to give and it’s down to me to go after that.”

Head coach Paul Revington has overseen a transformation in the team, instilling an attacking philosophy and leading England to the final of the EuroHockey Championships.

Team GB begin their campaign against Spain on 27 July, with reigning world champions Germany and reigning European champions Netherlands looming large in Group A.

The pool also features France and South Africa, with the top four sealing progression to the quarter-finals.

Aldi’s Nearest & Dearest programme helps maximise support and minimise potential distractions for athletes so that they can focus on their performance and make the most of the unique opportunity to compete on one of the world’s largest stages.

Goodfield’s family will be out in force in the French capital, giving the defender a chance to repay all of their sacrifices over the years.

“My parents are hockey super fans,” he said. “They’ll be there for the whole thing and they’ve been a massive part of my journey. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024