IN a power ballad written for the 1998 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Whitney Houston famously sang: “I want one moment in time, when I’m all that I thought I could be”. With Paris 2024 on the horizon, H&H talks to some former Olympians about their one moment in time, the impact selection had on them and what legacy being an Olympian has left.
NICOLA WILSON
Eventing team silver at London 2012 with Rosemary Search's Opposition Buzz
“BECOMING an Olympian had been a goal of mine ever since I first saw coverage of the Games on television as a child,” says Nicola. “We all have dreams, and that was mine.”
Her dream was nearly realised in 2008 when she and Opposition Buzz (Dodi) were selected as reserves. Ultimately, they weren’t required to travel but with subsequent consistent results at five-star level, the pair went on to be selected for major championships between 2009 and 2011.
Their Olympic selection in 2012, however, was bittersweet. Selected as first reserves, Nicola and Dodi were called up after an injury to her friend Piggy March’s horse, DHI Topper W, ruled that pair out.
“The build-up to the Games was incredible but extremely nerve-racking,” reminisces Nicola. “I was constantly worried about where Dodi was putting his feet. Finally moving into the stables was an incredible feeling but, in the back of my mind, I knew our place wasn’t 100% secure until the competition started. “On the morning of the first vet inspection we had our own team trot-up with all the reserve horses on standby in case of any problems – it was terrifying.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 23, 2024 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 23, 2024 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
City Of Troy hailed as greatest ever
The megastar colt silences his critics with an emphatic Derby success and there's plenty to celebrate for the Gredley family in the historic race
Head in the Games
Caring for elite horses is something a world leading groom takes in their stride, but how do they tackle their day job when their charge is an Olympic competitor? Bethany Stone asks those all-important questions
Horserail continues to set the pace
More than 25 years on since launching its unique plastic fencing, Horserail is still making strides in the equestrian fencing market with its innovation
Changes through the ages
Horse management has unquestionably revolutionised over the past 14 decades – but is it always for the better? Catherine Austen charts the changes
'A great joy thousands of soldiers'
Throughout World War II, the Horse & Hound team never missed publishing the magazine, despite the editor being killed in a bombing, sport being decimated and the printers being shelled. Former H&H deputy editor Pippa Cuckson discovers a Blitz-spirit mentality that held the magazine together and boosted morale in those dark years
'Every Whitaker is successful in one way or another
As part of H€9H’s 140th anniversary, we've been celebrating Britain’s eminent rider families with a series of interviews. In our fourth and final instalment, we meet four of the Whitaker dynasty: Michael, John, Jack and Robert
Cover in glory
The great and the good of the equestrian world remember the first time they featured in H&9H. Luz Wollocombe speaks to the superstars
A tricky start
Health problems in the first phases of life require prompt attention. Equine nurse Samantha Feighery RVN discusses common disorders in newborn foals
'Every Finnish person is mad about the Olympics'
Six-time Olympian Kyra Kyrklund discusses competing behind the Iron Curtain, sleeping in the stable and coping when calamity strikes
Private investigator
Sean Memory is a retired detective now assisting the National Trainers Federation, dealing with online and in-person abuse
