ODIHAM's gold-medal winning hero Alex Danson has returned home after triumphing on the world's biggest stage in Rio.

The 31-year-old hockey player starred as Team GB secured a dramatic gold medal in the women's hockey last Friday.

The Reading forward had a starring role throughout the tournament, scoring five goals to help Team GB reach the Olympic final where they beat the Netherlands. 

After being greeted triumphantly this week as thousands joined the returning athletes at Gatwick Airport, Alex managed to get back to Odiham to spend a well-deserved day with family and friends and catch up with The Gazette.

"I still can't believe it - I don't think any of the girls can," Alex told The Gazette.

"Everyone has been delighted about what we achieved and being able to stop for a few moments and spend some time with my family in Odiham, to try and let it sink in has been good.

"It's just been such a whirlwind and really hasn't stopped."

Approximately 11 million people in the UK tuned in to watch Alex and her team-mates triumph on penalties, after the scores were tied at 3-3 in the gold medal match.

But holding their nerve, Team GB managed to earn their first gold in women's hockey - following up their bronze medal success in London 2012.

"I think if anyone had shared with us what would have happened during the competition when we first started, we wouldn't have believed it," Alex continued.

"We dreamed it would happen but so did 16 other teams who played.

"I can't believe how many people tuned in to watch it - thankfully we weren't using social media beforehand because then we would have got nervous but this is sport."

Danson, who also played hockey for Trojans and Alton, hopes the team's achievements in Rio will see renewed interest in the sport.

"Hopefully this will help continue getting people into the sport. I had a lovely email from my old hockey team telling me how many people have since tried to get involved with it," Alex added.

"It's absolutely the most magical experience taking part for your country and sharing it with other team-mates and even if its not at an international level, playing locally is an experience.

"But us girls all play locally and we have become Olympians so it can be done by anyone playing at a local level."