Today (6 August) marks the three-year anniversary of that heady day in 2012 when the British showjumping team delighted equestrian fans by winning Olympic gold in Greenwich. This was the first time Britain’s showjumpers had been crowned Olympic champions in 60 years.
Currently we’re all waiting with baited breath to find out who will make up the British showjumping team for the FEI European Showjumping Championships in Aachen later this month, which is the final chance for Team GBR to qualify for Rio 2016. The team is expected to be revealed after Dublin this week.
In the meantime, let’s enjoy looking back at some of the iconic images of British success at London 2012 and remind ourselves of that very special jump off, which kept us all right on the edge of our seats.
The typical British weather couldn’t put a dampner on the action, as Britain was forced to jump off for the gold medal against the Netherlands after both teams finished on eight faults after two rounds.
Nick Skelton, first to go, jumped his fourth clear round of the Games on Big Star.
“He is a freak, there really isn’t anything he can’t do,” Nick said of Beverley Widdowson’s brilliant stallion. “He’s an absolute genius”.
Ben Maher also jumped clear in the jump off on Tripple X. The horse has since been sold to Canada and helped their team qualify for Rio at the Pan Ams last month.
Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos just tipped the second fence in the Olympic team jump-off for four faults. This partnership have been British team anchors in recent years, but will not be heading to the Europeans, as Scott said “it was not in the horse’s best interests”. They will head to Calgary for the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows (9-13 September) and the chance to win €1million (£720,000) instead.
When Peter Charles came back into the arena as the final rider to jump, he needed to collect four faults or less with the inexperienced Vindicat for Britain to take gold.
Although Vindicat had grown in confidence throughout the team competition, the partnership’s performances had been patchy to say the least, collecting nine faults on the first day and eight in the first round on the second day.
It’s unsurprising that chef d’equipe Rob Hoekstra, course designer Bob Ellis and rider Nick Skelton were looking a little tense…
But Peter Charles produced the ride of his life as Vindicat tried his heart out to jump clear and give Britain Olympic gold — the first time since the team that contained Harry Llewellyn and Foxhunter in 1952.
The home crowds were absolutely delighted and gave our riders and their horses a rousing reception.
“I’ve waited a long time for this,” said Nick Skelton. “I’ve been to a lot of Games, made a lot of mistakes. We couldn’t have done it in a better place; the crowd have been incredible and really helped us along.”
London 2012 Olympic team showjumping results: gold, Great Britain; silver, The Netherlands, bronze, Saudi Arabia.