Five weeks that will shape Louise Jukes’ Olympic destiny

The next five weeks are arguably the most important in Louise Jukes’ sporting odyssey.

Having battled back from a five-month injury lay-off, the Olympic hopeful from Ipswich can now shape her own destiny as she attempts to earn a coveted place in the 14-woman Great Britain handball squad.

Jukes will learn her fate on June 19 and selection would mark the conclusion of her remarkable rise to the top of the burgeoning sport, having swapped her hockey stick for the handball court just five years ago.

The former England Under-18 hockey player has been suffering with back and hamstring problems but she is now fighting fit and, having had a final bout of treatment on Thursday, is hoping to play for Great Britain in the Group 3 Euro 2012 qualifying games against Montenegro, in London on May 30, and away in Russia on June 3, as well as a number of upcoming friendly games.

“It would be incredible to be able to get the opportunity to play at the Olympics, it would be one of the best things ever, but I am not looking as far as that yet.

“I am just working towards June 19th and I will be giving it all I have got,” said Jukes.

Will former hockey star Louise have her chance to put Ipswich on the Olympics map? Read more in today’s Ipswich Star.