Decision made on whether Australian showjumpers can compete at Olympics after team-mate ruled out

Australia’s two remaining showjumpers at the Tokyo Olympics will be able to compete as individuals, despite their team-mate Jamie Kermond being ruled out of the Games.

Jamie has been provisionally suspended by Equestrian Australia under the Australian national anti-doping policy after he tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine. Jamie had been due to make his Olympic debut with Oaks Constellation.

Rowan Willis had decided not to travel to the Games with Blue Movie as the Australian alternate so the country’s team fell apart with the loss of Jamie as there were only two riders left. It was unclear whether Edwina Tops-Alexander and Katie Laurie would be allowed to compete as individuals, but the Australian Olympic Committee has now been informed that Edwina and Katie can compete in the individual competition.

Australian chef de mission Ian Chesterman said: “We are thrilled with the outcome for our remaining two jumping athletes, who have been anxiously awaiting confirmation regarding their participation at the Games.

“Edwina and Katie have both worked extremely hard to earn their place on the Australian team and we are delighted they will get the opportunity to realise their Olympic aspirations in the arena at Tokyo.”

Edwina will ride Identity Vitseroel and will become the first Australian showjumper to ride at four Games. She said:  “I’m very happy about the outcome for myself and Katie Laurie to be able compete as individuals in Tokyo. I’m proud and I look forward to representing Australia. I will absolutely give it my utmost best.”

Olympic debutante Katie, who will ride Casebrooke Lomond, commented: “Words cannot describe the feeling of hearing that Edwina and I could both go as individuals. It’s been a rollercoaster but we are ready and so excited to get to Tokyo.”

Edwina and Katie will arrive in Tokyo on Wednesday, 28 July as scheduled. The Olympic individual showjumping competition starts on Tuesday, 3 August.

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Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.