"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
Deaflympics 2009
Great Britain Women started their quest for the the football title in the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei with a 6-1 win over Japan. They confirmed their progress to the semi-finals with an 18-0 win over Thailand. Esther scored the final goal.
Esther scores against Thailand
I think Esther is pleased!
Britain’s final pool game was against Russia. The score of 6-2 to Russia did not reflect the balance of play. Britain scored first, then conceded 3 quick goals. Britain pulled it back to 2-3 before 3 second half goals gave Russia a comfortable victory.
Esther on the ball v Russia
Esther heads clear gainst Russia
In the semi-final GB women put in a brave second half performance to push the USA all the way before losing 1-2.The USA took the lead after 29 minutes when a long ball was played into space, resulting in a first time shot low into the bottom corner.
Esther on the ball against USA
The second goal for the USA was scored after 38 minutes and came on the back of a good GB attack. Evans combined well with Maycock who released Cross, Cross tried to go alone when maybe a cross would have been the better option with both Willis and Evans waiting in the centre. The USA went straight down the other end and scored.
Britain were denied by a very questionable outside decision. Then in the 82nd minute. GB won a free kick down the right flank that was superbly whipped in, straight on the head of Maycock. Team GB threw everything at the USA in the closing stages, the best chance fell to Maycock who managed to win the ball on the edge of the USA box, run directly for the touchline before crossing low into the centre, the cross was blocked straight back into her path but she could only shoot wide from an acute angle.
For the bronze medal, Britain faced Russia for the second time but lost by the only goal of the game, scored following a corner in the 23rd minute. Esther Maycock went on a powerful run in the 77th minute, she got to the edge of the area before unleashing a powerful shot just wide.
The third place play-off
Esther against Russia
The official GB report on the tournament concluded: "It was a great effort from all of the GB women in the second half. They fought for the medal, they fought for each other and they fought for their country. They can all leave Taipei with their heads held high in the knowledge they have done themselves proud. With so many young players in the team, the future looks very bright for British women's football".
Photos by Derek Simmons