Look, let’s be honest. Equestrian isn’t exactly the most popular Olympic sport. But if anything can get it a little more love Down Under, it’s an injury-ridden, come-from-behind victory over our cross-Tasman rivals.
And, as it just so happens, we’ve got just the story.
Barcelona 1992 is probably remembered most fondly in Australia for the performance of the rowing team. Of the seven golds Australia won, two came from the regatta, including one from the brilliant ‘Oarsome Foursome.’
Just as successful, though, was the equestrian team, who also took home two medals between them. But that looked highly unlikely at the start of the Games as the eventing team struggled to overcome injuries and illness.
Things went perilously close to reaching breaking point when the team was reduced to the minimum of three members after Duncan, the horse ridden by David Green, was unable to continue competing after the second day of the competition. Thankfully, the trio of Matthew Ryan, Andrew Hoy and Gillian Rolton (and their steeds) remained healthy.
Despite the setbacks, Australia were still well-placed going into the final day, with only New Zealand ahead of them, although the Kiwis’ lead was significant.
But then something happened which Australian rugby fans are altogether unaccustomed to seeing: New Zealand stuffed up.
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The Kiwis botched their last round, giving Australia a sliver of a hope of claiming gold. Oblivious to the pressure riding on his, erm, ride, Ryan was sublime, clearing every fence bar one to steal a 4.2-point win and the gold medal.
The team victory made Rolton the first Australian woman to win an Olympic medal, while Ryan also took home the individual gold.
Maybe this equestrian thing isn’t too bad after all.
Be sure to follow The Roar as we look back on some of the most memorable moments in Olympic history – be they weird and wacky or brilliant and significant – and count down the days until the Rio Olympics opening ceremony.