Nicola White - golden wonder

Nicola White, right, with her teammates Georgie Twigg and Maddie Hinch at the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics

Nicola White has revealed that she couldn't have achieved her Olympic golden dream without the support of her proud mum Gill and family.

Littleborough's sporting hero wrote her name into the history books on Friday night when she and her team-mates won gold in the hockey tournament, edging to victory in a dramatic final shoot-out against previous champions Holland in Rio.

It was the ultimate of sporting dreams come true for 28-year-old Nicola, but one she couldn't have realised without her cherished home support.

Nicola said: "Standing on that podium with my gold medal and all my team mates singing the national anthem was the dream, and now it's reality."

"I'm speechless.

"However, this all couldn't have been achieved if it wasn't for my very supportive mum and family. My journey from playing at school to playing for my country takes commitment over many years.

"I am hoping to get back home sometime this week to have a quiet celebration with my family, before heading off for a well-earned holiday and rest."

Nicola contributed three goals on the way to helping Team GB to golden glory - including one in Friday's final.