The Australian eventing team for the 2012 London Olympics has been announced:
- Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen
- Christopher Burton and Holstein Park Leilani
- Clayton Fredericks and Bendigo
- Lucinda Fredericks and Flying Finish (pictured)
- Shane Rose and Taurus
Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks are the first – and likely to be the only – married couple to be named for an eventing team for London. They were both on the silver medal-winning Australian team at the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong, as was Shane Rose.
Lucinda and Andrew Hoy both made late bids for selection with eye-catching results at Luhm ¼hlen last weekend. Andrew is a six-time Olympian (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004), triple Olympic team gold medallist (1992, 1996 and 2000) and an individual silver medallist (2000).
Listen to Lucinda talk to Chris Stafford Radio about being selected
Listen to Andrew talk to Chris Stafford Radio about being selected
Christopher Burton, who rode on the Australian squad at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, makes his Olympic debut. He has shown excellent form recently, including doing a one-two at Saumur CCI***, with his named horse Holstein Park Leilani finishing second to Haruzac.
The Australians are expected to be serious medal contenders at the Games.
The obvious omissions from the team are Sam Griffiths on Happy Times and Paul Tapner on Inonothing and twitter is abuzz with talk about their non-selection this morning.
The selection process allows athletes a 48-hour period to lodge an appeal against the nominated team and the final team selections are expected to be confirmed by the Australian Olympic Committee on Friday.
