The international career of Alexandra Mary Louise Danson began on 23 October 2001, when she made her full debut against Germany. Over the subsequent seventeen years, she established herself as a prolific forward for England and Great Britain, culminating in a total of 306 international appearances and a collection of major Olympic and continental medals.
Early Development and Club Career
Born on 21 May 1985 in Southampton, Danson received her education at Yateley Manor Prep School and Farnborough Hill School. The latter institution recognized her contributions to the sport by naming its all-weather hockey pitch in her honour. Throughout her career, she played at the club level for Alton, Trojans, Reading, Clifton Robinsons, and the Dutch side Klein Zwitserland. Her tenure at Reading was particularly productive, featuring victories in the 2013 EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy and multiple titles in the Women's England Hockey League and the English Indoor Championship.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Milestones and Olympic Success
Danson competed at the highest levels of global hockey, securing a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She followed this achievement with a gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Her international tournament history includes a gold medal at the 2015 EuroHockey Nations Championship in London and a gold medal at the 2002 FIH Champions Challenge I held in Johannesburg. She also earned multiple bronze medals in the World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the Champions Trophy throughout her career.
Leadership and Retirement
In June 2017, Danson was appointed captain of the England women's hockey team, leading the squad to the semi-finals of the world league. That same year, she received an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours for her services to the sport. She also launched the Alex Danson Hockey Academy to facilitate grassroots participation in schools. Her final international match occurred on 2 August 2018 against the Netherlands, and she formally announced her retirement from the sport on 20 February 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 May 1985, Southampton
- International debut: 23 October 2001
- Final international match: 2 August 2018
- Total international appearances: 306
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2016, Rio de Janeiro
- Olympic Bronze Medal: 2012, London
- Appointment: Member of the Order of the British Empire (2017)
- Retirement announcement: 20 February 2020
Questions readers ask
What position did Alex Danson play?
She played as a forward for both England and Great Britain.
When did she retire from professional hockey?
She announced her retirement from the sport on 20 February 2020.
Which schools did she attend?
She attended Yateley Manor Prep School and Farnborough Hill School.
