![Laura Tomlinson riding Alf at the London 2012 Olympic Games [image credit; @laurabtomlinson Instagram]](https://i0.wp.com/everythinghorseuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Untitled-design-3.png?fit=1000%2C600&ssl=1)
Olympic British Dressage Rider, Laura Tomlinson Announces Pregnancy
Olympic British Dressage rider, Laura Tomlinson announces her pregnancy ahead of this year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Taking to social media to share the news, Laura revealed the news sharing a picture of herself, husband, and growing family.
View this post on Instagram
Laura and her husband Mark, an international polo player, explained the were “nervously and excitedly” expecting their fourth child later in 2021.
Despite the pregnancy news, the Olympic gold and bronze medallist will still had her eyes on Tokyo with her ride, Rose Of Bavaria (Betty). Although she did not make the final Team GB Tokyo dressage squad, she has also not ruled out campaigning for a spot on the European Dressage Championship team, set to perform in September 2021.
Explaining her performance goals during her pregnancy, Laura commented;
With regards to the Euros, it’s a little too early to say if I will still be competing then but I plan to continue to ride and compete for as long as I feel comfortable and my Dr is happy! I will certainly be looking to be ready to campaign next season with my sights on the World Games as I have 2 great horses at the moment who are just coming into their prime.”
Laura also took the announcement as an opportunity to thank her her surrounding support which allows her to perform at elite level whilst also fulfilling her role as a mother.
Being the fourth of four children I know the joys of being a team and we are so happy to give this to our children. I feel very lucky to have the support around me that makes it possible for me to be the type of mother I want to be and still compete at top level.”
Laura and Mark married in 2013 and are based in Gloucestershire. Their new addition will be kept in good company with older siblings; six-year-old Annalisa, four-year-old Wilfred and two-year-old Hanni.
Header Image; Laura Tomlinson riding Alf at the London 2012 Olympic Games [image credit; @laurabtomlinson Instagram]
You may also like to read
Journalist and News Reporter, Everything Horse
Reporting on equestrian news stories, Abby also produces a variety of engaging content for the magazine.