OLYMPIC OPPORTUNITIES
The Olympics is the zenith of an athlete’s career – but precious few scale those giddy heights. Sue Polley asks four British Olympians about their most memorable experiences
9 weeks to go
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.”
The team – of Nicola, William Fox-Pitt, Zara Tindall, Mary King and Tina Cook – were accommodated in the Olympic village and constantly shuttled between there and the equestrian venue at Greenwich:
“We were in a total bubble,” she adds. “It was amazing being part of wider Team GB, with athletes from different countries and sports. As our competition started the day after the opening ceremony we weren’t allowed to attend it, but we watched it on TV in our apartment. We could see the big screen in the main stadium and the huge queue of athletes waiting to go in from our window – that was quite surreal.
“I remember the dressage arena being very tall and much bigger than what we’re used to,” she recalls. “With lots of non-horsey spectators there was a lot more cheering and
