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A number of our top Jumping and Dressage athletes have the 2012 Olympic Games in their sights and are about to begin their quest to make the Equestrian team that will represent Australia in London.
Starting this weekend, Dressage and Jumping athletes on the Australian Olympic Shadow Team will compete in a series of European based nomination events and a good performance could reward them with a spot on the Australian team bound for the Games.
Australia’s national selectors have arrived in Europe for the first nomination events which will take place in Lummen, Belgium from 2-6 May (Jumping) and Mannheim, Germany from 3-8 May (Dressage).
Jumping selectors must choose four combinations to represent Australia at the Games.
“This process will allow us to assemble the best possible team to compete in London and improve upon the team’s recent performances at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,” said Stephen Lamb, National Performance Director for Jumping.
With only three positions available on the Dressage team, competition will be just as fierce amongst the eight combinations which are in contention.
Lyndal Oatley has represented Australia at a World Equestrian Games and is aiming to make her first Olympic Games team.
“This weekend marks the first big challenge for all eight riders in the lead up to London. Right now I feel focused and ready to get down to business. My preparations for Mannheim have gone to plan and I am ready to go,” said Oatley.
“Based on the quality of the eight combinations battling it out for team positions we as a nation have the opportunity to send one of the strongest Dressage teams to an Olympic Games to date and this is very exciting for Australian Dressage,” she added
Following this weekend’s CDI3* in Mannheim the eight combinations will travel to the CDI3* in Compiegne (FRA) for a second chance to impress selectors.
Australia’s Dressage and Jumping teams will be announced on 6 June.
Jumping combinations competing at Lummen CSIO4*, 2 – 6 May
Paul Athanasoff Wirragulla Nicholas
Amy Graham Bella Baloubet
Julia Hargreaves Vedor
James Patterson-Robinson Lanosso
Reserves
James Passy Carry Star
Matt Williams Bolero Van ‘T Heike
Dressage combinations competing in Mannheim CDI3* 3-8 May
Hayley Beresford Bellisimo
Mary Hanna Sancette
Lyndal Oatley Sandro Boy
Brett Parbery Lord of Loxley
Rozzie Ryan GV Bullwinkle
Rachael Sanna Jaybee Alabaster
Chantal Wigan Ferero
Kristy Oatley Clive
Equestrian Australia Wednesday, 2 May 2012
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