Australian Showjumpers book spot for Rio Olympic Games

Australia’s Showjumpers have booked their spot for the Rio Olympic Games after finishing second at the Regional Qualifier in Hagen.

Dual Olympian and Team Captain Edwina Tops-Alexander lead her team out strong with Julia Hargreaves, Scott Keach and Jamie Kermond putting in solid performances to bring home the result the Aussies needed to secure their place at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Australia finished in second place behind Japan.

For Australian Jumping Captain Tops-Alexander she said her team headed in to competition focused on what they needed to do to get the best result and qualify.

“At the end of the day we wanted to qualify and that’s what we did. Sure we would have like to have won, we’re all very competitive, but in general the horses jumped really well and we were happy with that.

“We had great team spirit which helped us to get the job done. The goal was achieved and now we’re focused on building a strong team for the Rio Olympics,” said Tops-Alexander.

The Jumping team will be joined by equestrian’s Eventing and Dressage teams, who already secured their place in Rio. The 2016 Olympic Games will be the third consecutive Games that Australia has qualified full teams across all three equestrian disciplines.

With less than one year to go until the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, focus for athletes will turn to individual preparations of their horses ahead of team selection next year.