Olympic hockey goalkeeper on the joy of making art
Miriam Pritchard describes the "big enjoyment" of creating art when she is off the pitch.
Olympic hockey goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard has expressed her profound joy in creating art outside of her professional career. The 27-year-old goalkeeper from Oxford, who made her international debut for England in 2017, reached the Paris Olympics in 2024. Pritchard is an award-winning illustrator, having won a World Illustration Award in 2022 for her tile mural in a Leicestershire cafe's bathroom.
During an interview with the BBC, Pritchard spoke about balancing her demanding hockey career with her passion for art. She revealed that art provides her with a sense of freedom and happiness that differs from the structured environment of hockey. Pritchard noted that making and creating things brings her immense joy, particularly as she considers it a privilege to be part of the pressure-filled environment of a goalkeeper.
Inspired by the success of the Lionesses, especially their achievements in the European Championships in 2022 and 2025, Pritchard frequently takes inspiration from the team in her artwork. She has even included a decorated football featuring drawings of the Lionesses in her collection of creations. The goalkeeper also expressed her desire to inspire young players, hoping to see them reach the world stage in the future.
As the England women's hockey team prepares for the upcoming Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, Pritchard remains confident in her team's abilities, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one game at a time. Despite facing tough competition, including countries like China and India, Pritchard believes that a positive mindset and preparation will lead them to success.
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