HUNDREDS of excited youngsters turned out to see Olympic Games medal winner Sarah Robertson in the Borders last weekend.

The Selkirk hockey star was part of the Team GB team that took bronze in Tokyo, scoring a memorable goal in the final game.

Last Saturday she visited the Fjordhus Reivers Hockey Club where she used to play at the Tweedbank .

She was due to have spent one hour with the youngsters but stayed nearly five, signing autographs and showing off her bronze medal to the delight of her fans.

“It was an amazing day, in fact it was carnage," Robertson told the Border Telegraph. “I’ve always kept in touch with the coach Janet (Jack) and I always planned to visit but it coincided with a family day of celebration of hockey.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was jam packed and I had a brilliant time. I was asked to sign arms and shoes for the kids who seemed to think I was super famous. There must have been 200 pairs of hands on the medal and no-one could believe how heavy it was.

“I knew many of them as I have been back a few times to help coach. I don’t just turn up when I win a medal.

“It was great to see so many ‘newbies’ there to get a taste of hockey which is such a social sport. It’s great for children to take part in team sports no matter their ability. I am proud to have won the bronze medal and that shows what is possible.”

Hockey development officer Janet Jack who also enjoyed a successful hockey career added: “It was such a brilliant day. Sarah is the most humble and gracious player I have ever met and has never forgotten where she came from. All the little ones were star struck but she made them feel at ease. They all wanted to see her medal, which was the size of a wagon wheel, and she spent ages with them. She was only meant to be there for an hour but stayed four and a half hours.

“She could have played football for Scotland but thankfully chose hockey. I saw her potential and contacted Live Borders and she got into the Athletes Support Programme which allowed her to get one to one coaching sessions. Sarah didn’t want to be a good player, she wanted to be the best player. She was good enough to play for the Ladies team when she was 14 and was more than happy to tell senior players what she thought but that wasn’t arrogance she just was able to read the game.

“She is a phenomenal person and a tremendous athlete. In fact, I would say she is the hardest working athlete I have ever coached.”