Huddersfield’s Oliver Townend and his Olympics GB teammates, Laura Collett and Tom McEwen, have stormed to gold in the final showjumping stage for Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
All three were making their Olympic debuts, however, they performed with incredible strength: holding a huge lead of 17.9 penalties after impressive rounds in Sunday’s cross-country phase
Performing together in the final showjumping stage, the trio sealed a team victory – bringing home the gold ahead of Australia and France and finishing with 86.30 penalties, 13.90 clear of Australia.
Australia took home silver, whilst France took home the bronze. – whilst Germany’s Julia Krajewski won the individual title, scooping it away from McEwen.
McEwen, instead, took home a silver medal in the competition on Toledo De Kerser.
Reflecting on his round, McEwen said: “He is a class horse and a great jumper, so it was just up to me on top.
“My nerves were fine. They (Townend and Collett) are both brilliant riders, and I had no doubt they would pull it straight out of the bag quite easily and comfortably.”
It’s a momentous achievement, especially given that the gold has not been taken home by a British team for 49 years. The last time Britain had a wine like this was at the 1972 Games in Munich.
The victory was additionally sweet for Laura Collett, who nearly died eight years ago after falling from her horse.
At the time, she was very badly injured and ended up in a coma – suffering with a punctured lung, spine, shoulder and rib fractures, not to mention losing the majority of her vision in one eye.
Speaking today to the BBC, she reflected on how fortunate she felt to be able to attend and take part:
“I know I am lucky just to be alive, let alone doing the job I love and winning an Olympic medal,” the 31-year-old tsaid.
“Just to be here was more than a dream come true.”
Feature image – Shropshire Star.
