Joanna (Jo) Thompson is a former England and Great Britain hockey goalkeeper. Born in Kent, Jo started playing hockey at school, initially in defence. She joined Slough Hockey Club because her Physical Education teacher was also their manager. As goalkeeper, Jo played for England in the 1990 World Cup and for Great Britain in the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. In this interview Jo recounts the highs and lows of her hockey playing career, her approach to goalkeeping, her rivalries with other goalkeepers, how goalkeeping kit has evolved over the years and how she balanced her goalkeeping alongside a successful career outside of hockey. Jo also discusses her experiences of competing in hockey as a gay woman, the effects that Section 28 had on British society and hockey, and how attitudes towards an individual’s sexuality have changed over time.

Image: courtesy of Jo Thompson