From Goalposts to Canvases: Olympic Hockey Star's Artistic Passion Shines

Miriam Pritchard is not only a talented hockey goalkeeper for Team GB, but she is also an accomplished artist. Originally from Oxford, Miriam made her debut for the England hockey team in 2017 and reached the Paris Olympics in 2024. When she is not on the hockey pitch, she spends her time creating art, which she says brings her a lot of happiness. In fact, Miriam won a World Illustration Award in 2022 for a mural she painted in a cafe bathroom in Leicestershire. She describes art as a way to relax and escape from the pressures of her sporting career.

Miriam’s love for art comes from her family. Her father is an artist, and so were her grandparents, so she has always been surrounded by creativity. She says, 'I've had art around me since I was little and it's such a big switch-off for me. ' For Miriam, art is a way to express herself without strict rules or boundaries. She enjoys working on different projects, which helps her balance her busy life as an athlete. One of her favorite things to do is to draw sports scenes, especially those featuring women athletes. She has created illustrations of the Lionesses, England’s women’s football team, and even decorated a football with their images. Miriam says she is inspired by the Lionesses and their recent successes in the European Championships. She enjoys celebrating women’s sports through her art and has even done live drawing at major sporting events.

As a goalkeeper, Miriam faces a lot of pressure, but she sees it as a privilege. She says, 'They do say goalies are a bit nuts. We are really measured by millimetres. ' She enjoys the challenge of her position and feels proud when she can help her team. However, she also knows that goalkeepers sometimes have to take responsibility when things don’t go well. Miriam tries to remember why she started playing hockey in the first place – because she loved it as a child. She believes that keeping this in mind helps her stay positive and motivated. Miriam feels that 2026 has been a year of growth for her, and she is now playing with more freedom and confidence.

Miriam always brings her sketchbook with her, even when she travels for hockey tournaments. She is currently preparing for the Hockey World Cup, which will take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. England’s women’s team will face tough opponents like South Africa, China, and India. Miriam says, 'For us it's very much one game at a time. ' She is confident in her team’s abilities and believes they can do well in the tournament. Miriam also gives back to her community by helping with coaching at her old clubs, Oxford Hockey Club and Oxford Hawks. She is impressed by the hard work of the young players and hopes to inspire them to achieve their dreams. Miriam is proud to balance her two passions – hockey and art – and finds that each one helps her enjoy the other even more.