Mark Hawkins, Horsham
Handball
"We love being in front of the bigger crowds. The more that's riding on a game the better it is for us. The Olympics is the peak"
How did you get started?
Horsham-born Hawkins is a former Brighton Bears basketball player who became part of UK Sports talent identification programme 'Sporting Giants'. One aim of the scheme was to transfer athletes from different sports into handball with a view to competing at London 2012, and Mark was one of the lucky ones chosen to take part. After moving to Aarhus, Denmark in January 2008 to gain regular match experience, Hawkins started playing with HK Aarhus Nord in for 2009/10 season, won promotion with them to the Danish 2nd Division, continuing with the team for 10/11. In August 2011 he signed for Afturelding in Iceland. Mark made his international debut against Greece in July 2009.
Greatest achievements
Hawkins has scored 37 goals in 18 international appearances
Prospects for 2012
Medals are not a likelihood for this inexperienced GB team, but there will be plenty of opportunity to see Mark in action on the left wing during the group stage, 29 July - 6 August, as they try to reach the knockout stages. Team GB's first Group A match is a tough one, against Olympic champions France on the opening day of competition, and watch out for Mark and Team GB's clash with his adoptive homeland, Iceland, on 6 August.
http://www.london2012.com/handball/event/men/
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