Alex was part of the medal-winning women's hockey team, scoring in the team's 3-1 victory against New Zealand in the bronze medal match.

She visited the University on 2 and 9 October to work with PE students. She spent time answering questions about her Olympic experience, but also running coaching sessions and passing on tips the students can use when working in schools.

Senior PE lecturer Alison Wakefield, who Alex lists as her sporting idol on the Great Britain Hockey website and is herself a former international, said: "The Olympics was watched by so many people, and to have someone who won a medal is a fantastic opportunity for our students.

"Our students could see up-close the level of skill she has, and learn the techniques she uses to coach hockey. Alex made her international debut at the age of 16, so it may be possible that some of our students will be teaching the Alex Dansons of the future. They are fortunate to have had this chance, and it is important that they have learnt from her and understood how high the standard is in international hockey."

Alex said: "It has been great for me to come to Chichester. I was lucky enough to go to the Olympics and win a medal, and now I want to try and get into schools and other education places to do coaching sessions."

The visits have been a two-way process for Alex, who has a desire to become a PE teacher. She therefore quizzed the students about the course and their experiences of Chichester.

Alex said: "I want to teach myself, so it has been great to work with students who want to become teachers in the future. This is such a nice community at Chichester, and I am always made to feel so welcome when I come here."