HANDBALL star Holly Lam-Moores has been included in the GB squad for the London Olympics.

Holly, aged 21, picked up her kit at Loughborough University this morning, Thursday, along with 13 fellow players.

And the star performer told the Warrington Guardian she was overwhelmed when her name was confirmed in the squad.

She added: “I was overwhelmed. But one of the main feelings was relief that your name was there.

“I had some time to go back home and tell the family and everyone was so excited, but I had to tell them to keep it low key and quiet.

“But I think if it is possible I feel even more focused now for the next few weeks.”

The team start their games on Saturday, July 28 against fellow debutants Montenegro before playing Angola, who GB beat last year, Russia, Brazil and finally Croatia on Sunday, August 5.

Finishing top four would earn a quarter final spot for the team - the first from these shores to compete in an Olympic handball competition.

“We have always said quarter finals was the goal but we also want to showcase our sport and show what handball is all about,” said Holly.

And she will be cheered on during the games by her family, who still live in Warrington, and have managed to secure some of the much sought after tickets.

The team is now beginning final preparations with a training camp in Hungary later this month before final preparations in a holding camp before moving into the Olympic Village in the week before the games start.

“It is going to be fantastic to be part of an Olympic Games. Hopefully we can do the opening ceremony as well but we have a game the next day so if it is not the right preparation, then we will have to miss it.

“We are so focused on performing in those games,” she said.

And Holly knows there will be no holiday when the Olympics are over on August 12.

She is close to securing a deal to play for one of Europe’s top clubs for the new season which starts in September.

Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: “I am delighted to welcome the women’s handball squad as officially selected members of Team GB – Our Greatest Team.

“These players will have the added honour of making history as the first ever British Olympic handball players when they walk out into the Copper Box this summer.

“The squad has demonstrated that they are ready to deliver competitive and credible performances against the strongest handball nations in the world and I am sure that the vocal encouragement of the home support will spur them on to inspirational performances.

“Handball is a dynamic, fast-paced, exciting sport and I believe London 2012 presents a great opportunity for Team GB’s players to inspire future generations across the UK to take up handball and create a lasting legacy for the sport in this country.”

British Handball performance director Lorraine Brown said: “The GB Women’s Handball team announcement today is another milestone for GB Handball.

“In 2006 the performance programme started with just three women in the academy programme, and to now see two of them being selected to Team GB, along with the other quality players selected, is a testament to the progress made on court, as well as the hard work and dedication they have shown in their commitment to the centralised programme at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre over the past 15 months to be best prepared as a team for London.

“This made the selection process all the more emotional for those involved.

“I know the players selected will remain focused on the next 36 days and maximise this time to continue their preparations to compete in their first Olympic handball tournament.”