EDENFIELD’S Ciaran Williams cut an emotional figure as his London 2012 handball journey came to an end yesterday – but he insists it’s so long, not goodbye to the sport.

To a man the GB handball team have had a varied and sacrifice-laden journey to the Olympics – Williams moved six years ago aged 18 to Denmark to pursue his dream and has been hot-footing it around Europe ever since.

That journey culminated in making history at London 2012 as the first ever GB team to take part in an Olympic Games.

On the playing side of things their final foray into action ended in similar fashion to their opening four games – a plucky defeat, losing 41-24 to reigning Olympic silver medallists Iceland.

However in that defeat Williams admitted their London Olympic journey was defined – a journey that he was only too pleased to have been part of.

“It was really emotional at the end to have my parents in the crowd,” he said.

“Six years ago they literally dropped me off in Denmark when the team was first formed and I was just an 18-year-old kid.

“So to have them in the crowd was amazing after what has been a great few years and a great time at London 2012.

“I managed to keep hold of my emotions all week but it was too much for me at the end of the Iceland game.

“At the end of that game was the greatest moment I have had in the sport.

“I thought it wasn’t going to get better than the opening ceremony but the feeling at the end of the Iceland game topped that.”

London 2012 has witnessed unparalleled investment in handball and Williams hopes that will continue.

“I am speaking with a club out in Norway about going to play over there but I also better start doing some studying as well I think,” he said.

“Hopefully the national team will get the funding in the next cycle and we can work towards Rio.

“The scorelines in our games at the Olympics definitely don’t do us justice.”

* Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of Team GB and proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012