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HINCH'S HUNCH

Rio Olympics 2016: Maddie Hinch in dreamland as secrets of Great Britain hockey success revealed on her water bottle

GREAT BRITAIN hockey hero Maddie Hinch helped end years of hurt as her penalty shootout brilliance helped Team GB strike gold against the Netherlands.

And the secrets to her Olympic success appear to have been revealed by a picture of her WATER BOTTLE.

Maddie Hinch in action during GB's hockey success against the Ntherlands
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Maddie Hinch in action during GB's hockey success against the NetherlandsCredit: Getty Images
Hinch performed wonders in the penalty shootout to help Team GB to gold
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Hinch performed wonders in the penalty shootout to help Team GB to goldCredit: Darren Fletcher Photography
The moment Hinch's team-mates knew they had struck gold
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The moment Hinch's team-mates knew they had struck goldCredit: Getty Images
Hinch is congratulated by her team-mates after helping them win a first hockey gold
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Hinch is congratulated by her team-mates after her shootout brillianceCredit: AP:Associated Press
The secrets to Maddie Hinch's success appeared to be revealed on her water bottle
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The secrets to Hinch's success appeared to be revealed on her water bottleCredit: Twitter

Goalkeeper Hinch just would not be beaten as Team GB triumphed 2-0 on pens after twice coming from behind to secure a 3-3 draw after 60 minutes of normal time.

And in doing so she helped Danny Kerry’s side become the first female Brits to reach an Olympic final — and they matched the 1988 men’s team by coming out victorious in a thriller.

Hinch said: "It hasn't sunk in it all. It feels like we're in a dream.

"This whole tournament feels like we are gonna wake up tomorrow and go do our recovery and play another game of hockey.

"It does not feel real at all. What a beautiful medal. This is what dreams are made of. What more can I say?

"The team has been absolutely fantastic. We've had a great tournament and we deserve this. I'm glad it was just a great final and a good one to showcase hockey."

And a host of sports stars were quick to hail her brilliance along with the rest of her team-mates..

Hollie Webb was another GB hero after converting converting their fifth penalty in the shoot-out victory.

She said: "I don't think I can really put it into words yet. I don't really know what's happened. I'm just so proud of all the girls that played tonight.

"I'm so proud to be British. So proud to be a part of Team GB. So proud of this right now. If that just inspired anyone to pick up a hockey stick, any age, any gender, anyone can get involved, then our job has been done.

"It's more than just this gold medal. It's about the sort of ripple and getting hockey in the public eye back home."

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