Lucy Wiegersma withdrawn from Olympic Eventing Team and Replacements named
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Shaabrak ridden by Lucy Wiegersma has incurred a minor setback during training which has prevented him from following the ideal programme for the preparation for the Olympic Games. It has therefore been decided to withdraw his participation.
As a result there are two vacancies within the Eventing Team (to replace Lucy Wiegersma and Zara Phillips); the BOA have today approved the selection of the following new riders:
The two new team members will be:
- Tina Cook
riding Mr & Mrs Nicolas & Valda Embiricos & Mrs Sarah Pelham’s Miners Frolic - Daisy Dick
riding Mrs Caroline Dick and her own Spring Along
Commenting on their selection the athletes said:
Tina Cook
“I am elated to be chosen, but someone’s happiness is another’s sadness, I have been in that position before and was convinced after Atlanta and Sydney that I wouldn’t get another chance. I am thrilled for Henry (Miners Frolic) we’ve been on a fantastic journey since doing our first 3 star event at Bramham in 2007.”
Daisy Dick
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go to the Olympics. Now I have been given the chance, I want to give it everything we have. Pod (Spring Along) is an amazing campaigner; its his 4th championship in a row. As a sportswoman it has always been my dream and will be amazing to represent my country on Pod.”
Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 Chef de Mission, said:
“Whilst we are naturally disappointed for Zara and Lucy we are fortunate enough to have incredibly talented and experienced riders to step in to the fold and I welcome Tina and Daisy in to Team GB and wish them well in their final preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games.”
Will Connell, British Equestrian Team Leader:
"I am of course extremely disappointed for Lucy, who has worked so hard over many years to win her place in the Team; however, in Tina and Daisy we have two experienced campaigners who both have horses that should be able to turn in some excellent performances at the Games. The Team remains strong, capable and focused on winning medals in Hong Kong."
