Hockey player who helped GB beat Spain in Olympics pays tribute to late coach

Lee Morton, 29, paid tribute to coaching legend Derek Forsyth, who died after battling a short illness last year.

Ryan McDougall
Sunday 28 July 2024 04:39 EDT
Comments
Lee Morton during a previous Team GB kitting out session for the Paris Olympics 2024 at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (Jacob King/PA)
Lee Morton during a previous Team GB kitting out session for the Paris Olympics 2024 at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Scottish hockey player who helped Great Britain win against Spain in the Olympics has credited his late coach for helping him throughout his career.

Lee Morton, a 29-year-old midfielder for the Great Britain hockey team at this year’s Olympics, played on Saturday, helping his team win 4-0 in Paris, France.

Mr Morton, originally of Glasgow, also plays for Amsterdam’s hockey team.

The GB goals were scored by Gareth Furlong, who netted twice, Nick Park, and Rupert Shipperley.

Following the win, Mr Morton gave credit to his family and past coaches for the win, especially Derek Forsyth, a former men’s national team hockey coach, and performance programme manager for Scottish Hockey.

Mr Forsyth died in 2023 following a short illness.

His widow, Lynn, is the current Scottish Hockey president, and both of his sons, David and Alan, are Scottish hockey internationals.

Following the win against Spain, Mr Morton paid tribute to his former coach for helping him achieve his dreams.

In a statement released on X through Scottish Hockey, Mr Morton said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.

“To my parents for their constant support and taxi services around the country and allowing me to pursue this dream, and to my brother for always being there to support me and push me with extra training as a pair.

“To all my past coaches for the guidance you have given, but especially Derek Forsyth who has given me more than words can describe.

“Without his influence and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am.

“For him I’m especially grateful.”

Britain next face South Africa on Sunday before further games against the Netherlands, France and Germany.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in