Hockey star Ames channelling Roy Keane as he prepares for Paris 2024

By Tom Harle, Sportsbeat

David Ames is channelling his inner Roy Keane as he prepares to captain Team GB at Paris 2024.

The 16-strong men’s squad features a mix of youth and experience with seven men set to make their Olympic debuts in the French capital. Ames belongs in the latter camp as one of two three-time Olympians to earn selection.

The softly-spoken Cookstown native has adopted straight-shooting fellow midfielder Keane as his leadership role model.

“I’m quite reserved, quite quiet and I have a really good group of leaders around me who I lean on very heavily,” said Ames. “They all have different strengths and are able to produce that at different times.

“I tend to come out of myself when I’m on a hockey pitch but essentially, it’s just trying to be the same as I always have been. I think it would be foolish for me to try to change.

“Roy Keane is someone I listen to a lot. He has a completely different mindset to me, but he speaks very openly and very truthfully about everything.

“I’ve tried to do that myself - more than I perhaps should have.”

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.

Ames and Revington go all the way back to 2009 when they were both involved in the Irish set-up.

“I knew exactly what Revs was going to bring in and what to expect,” said Ames. “To be honest, he’s the exact same as he was on the first day and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

“He’s brought in a fast-paced style of hockey and instilled in us a desire to do whatever it takes to stand on podiums. That’s pretty much all we speak about.”

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.

All games will be played at the refurbished Stade Yves-du-Manoir - the only venue that will have featured at both the 2024 and 1924 Games, having hosted the athletics a century ago.

“I’m probably in a position to say that this is the best chance we’ve probably ever had,” said Ames. “I think we had a really good chance in Rio and Tokyo but we just didn’t quite have it, I think this team is a little bit different.

“You need a bit of luck on the day and I think there are probably five or six teams that could win the gold. But I don’t think you could name a favourite.”

Hockey players Stephen Martin and Jimmy Kirkwood were the last Northern Irish athletes to win Olympic gold in any sport.

“That’s the aim - that’s the goal,” admitted Aims. “That’s exactly how I would like to finish my career, essentially.”

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.

Ames’ family will be out in force in the French capital, giving him a chance to repay them for all of their sacrifices over the years.

“My mum, my brother, and quite a few friends are coming over to Paris at different stages,” said Ames. “They’ve never actually been to an Olympics before so it’s going to be nice for them to see it.

“We’ll have a lot of support as a hockey nation and hopefully they can cheer loud and proud.”

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