Joy flies the flag for Great Britain

Joy, 23, comes from Romford in Essex but now lives in Mile End, east London.

She recently refereed the biggest matches of her career when she was in charge of the highly-charged women's semi-final between the USA and Sweden which Sweden unexpectedly won in a penalty shoot out, and the bronze medal match between USA and Finland, which the Americans won easily.

"It has been an amazing experience being out here in Turin, the atmosphere and excitement has been fantastic." said Joy.

"Both matches were quite pressurised but they went well, and it has been great to be part of the set-up here.

"I can't wait for the Olympic Games to come to London in 2012. I was so excited when we won last year. London is such a great city, with so much to offer.

"Coming from Romford, and now living just a few miles from the site of the Olympic Park, I know what a boost this will be for this part of London."

Joy started skating in Romford at the age of 10, and helped her father David refereering matches on the lines in the local boys' league.

A few years later she got an international licence and got onto the international circuit.

She has officiated at three World Championships, two European Cups, and the Olympic qualifying round in Germany.

She found out that she had been selected for the Turin Games last autumn and was "thrilled".

She now is focussing on building on her status as one of the top referees in ice-hockey and is looking forward to the next Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010.

When she returns to London next week, she will continue her role as head referee in senior men's games, and carry on with her full-time job as a headhunter in central London.

Although she may not be able to referee in the London Games, which of course happen in the summer, she is looking forward to offering her services as a volunteer for them and doing what she can to help make them a success.

24 February 2006