International hockey star Anne Panter worked hard to recover from an eight-car pile-up that almost ended her career — only to be in a second accident days after being selected for London 2012.

“My previous injuries meant I might have never played again, so I feel very fortunate to be going to London,” said Anne.

“Nine years ago I suffered a serious car accident, which started a cycle of injuries that threatened my career. To come back from that and be selected for London, only to miss out because of a second crash would have been ironic.”

The defender will take her place in a 16-woman squad fancied for a medal after securing silver — their best ever result — in the Champion Trophy in Argentina this February.

She said: “The team is in really good form, we are ranked 4th in the world and finished second in the Champions Trophy. Our minimum expectation is to get into the semi-finals and then do all we can to challenge for the gold medal.

“The team is almost incomparable to those I have previously played in.

“After Beijing we sat down as a team to discuss how we could turn our sixth-place finish into a medal. Since then we have turned professional and train together regularly. Our fitness is now the best in the world, our skill levels and tactical play has improved dramatically and culturally, the atmosphere in the squad is incredible.”

The Mathematics and Economics graduate (2009) who plays for the national indoor and outdoor champions Leicester, will be joined in GB’s hockey squads by fellow alumni Rob Moore and Nick Catlin, and Harry Martin, who starts an Economics degree at the University in September.

Harry said: “It’s such an honour to be a part of Team GB.  Although it hasn’t completely sunk in yet, competing at a home Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I am very excited. I owe a lot of thanks to everyone who has supported me, especially my family, friends and sponsors.

“It has been a privilege to be part of such a strong training squad with such a dedicated coaching team.  Those of us that have been fortunate enough to be selected will do everything to make the rest proud.”