Team GB Showjumping Team Announced For Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The Team GB Showjumping Team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has been announced.

Today (2 July), the British Olympic Association announced the three horse and rider combinations, plus the travelling reserve who will be competing at this year’s Olympics. Coming a day after the announcement of dressage and eventing teams for Tokyo, the news has been eagerly anticipated.

London 2012 team gold medallists, Scott Brash and Ben Maher make the squad along with debutant Holly Smith, and Harry Charles is named as travelling reserve.

Making a fourth Olympic appearance, Ben Maher is heading to Tokyo with two confidence-giving wins on the Global Champions Tour, already under his belt. Scott Brash is also on fine form, finishing in podium positions at some of Europe’s most prestigious showjumping events, ahead of the Games. Meanwhile, with Holly Smith making up the trio, she becomes the first female on the jumping team since 1976!

Team GB Chef de Mission for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Mark England, said;

We are delighted to welcome returning Olympic gold medallists Scott and Ben to Team GB for the Tokyo Olympic Games, who add an incredible amount of experience to this exciting side. I’d also like to congratulate Holly on her selection – this a pivotal moment as she becomes the first female named on the Team GB jumping team in 45 years, and we have no doubt that this debut Games will be a very special experience for both her and her teammates.”

Speaking about the selection, British Equestrian Performance Director and Equestrian Team Leader for Tokyo, Richard Waygood, also commented;

This is an exciting squad with three riders and incredibly talented horses in peak form ahead of the Games, despite the challenges of competing with a COVID-restricted calendar. There’s a great mix of experience and youth, and there will be a great sense of camaraderie in the camp as we strive to push for podium performances.”

TEAM GB SHOWJUMPING

The Team GB Showjumping Team for Tokyo 2020 is as follows;

Scott Brash (34) based in Horsham, West Sussex (from Peebles, Peeblesshire) with Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s Hello Jefferson (bay, gelding, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Cooper van de Heffink x Irco Mena, Breeder: Bernard Mols BEL, Groom: David Honnet)
Ben Maher (38) based in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, with Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and his own Explosion W (chestnut, gelding, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Chacco-Blue x Baloubet de Rouet, Breeder: W Wijnen NED, Groom: Cormac Kenny)
Holly Smith (30) based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, with Ian Dowie’s Denver (bay, gelding, 17.1hh, 13yrs, Albfueheren’s Memphis x Chico’s Boy, Breeder: MG and AA Woertman NED, Groom: Kate Dodd)

Travelling reserve

Harry Charles (21) based in Alton, Hampshire, with Ann Thompson and his own Romeo 88 (bay, gelding, 17hh, 12yrs, Contact van de Heffinck x Orlando, Breeder: Picobello Horses BEL, Groom: Georgia Ellwood).

The Olympic showjumping team with be in action at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo between 3-7 August 2021.

For more information on this year’s Olympic Games visit olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/

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Team GB Showjumping Team Announced For Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games