#MySydney2000 The Manpower Behind the Magic

The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games delivered what can only be described as an impressive showcase of equestrian sport that captivated the entire world. As the Games were broadcast around the globe spectators watched on in awe and admiration as the Games were declared “the best Olympic Games ever” by the then IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch.

What the world did not necessarily see was the army of dedicated, hardworking and excited Olympic Volunteers, or ‘Oly Volys’ as they were dubbed, who worked tirelessly to ensure the Games were a success. The Australian equestrian community stepped up to the task and showed the world that Australia was capable of delivering a Games that will live on throughout history as “the Games of the New Millennium”. 

We caught up with some of the Officials from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games to hear of their memories and their roles throughout the Games.

Des Hughes – Technical Official

Des is a familiar face in Australian Eventing and a constant contributor to the sport; so it is no surprise to learn that he was also involved in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games as a ‘Technical Official’.

“It was an amazing time going through the selection process and then travelling to Sydney to go into accommodation for the six weeks I was there. Being met on arrival at the airport by the accreditation crews and taken to buses then onto the uniform centre to collect uniforms and subsequently transported to our accommodation at the Camden Veterinary University” describes Des.

“I stayed at Sydney for six weeks to cover the Paralympic Games as well. Our accommodation at Camden was quite satisfactory and great to come back to of an evening (unless on night shift) and meet up with the other volunteers for dinner, drinks etc. 

“Cross country day was amazing with more spectators than the organisation catered for so almost all round the track spectators were 5-6 deep. The whole experience was amazing, being involved with such an important competition like the Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience on home soil.”

When asked what stands out the most about his time at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Des said “Just the whole experience – being involved with like minded people who were there for the betterment of the sport. The camaraderie was amazing, as was all of the competition we were able to see.”  

Photo: The Farmyard Fence on cross country, Des Hughes

Mary Seefried – Dressage Judge

As it is usual to have a judge from the country or continent where the Olympic Games is being staged it was Mary Seefried who was awarded the honour at Sydney 2000, ” I guess I was the right person at the right time in the right place” recalls Mary.

“I was so proud of the whole Sydney Olympic Games, such a friendly and successful Games and meeting all of the Olympic ideals.  Franz Venhaus had done a terrific job as Equestrian Manager and with so many Australians on his team it was just like going to a local show! SIEC looked terrific and all of the competitors were so impressed with everything particularly the openness of the stables and the feeling of freedom. 

“The stands were absolutely packed and such a great atmosphere for the competitors was created by the enthusiastic audience. This will be my memory – bright sunshine and a crowd of equestrians sitting on the tiered seating really enjoying themselves watching top sport. I still think those stables are some of the best I have seen for a major Championship, so horse friendly and open. Twenty years later they are still just as good 

“One of the most memorable moments was when Ulla Salzgeber’s music stopped in the middle of her Freestyle.  Eric Lette was C judge and he handled it so calmly and precisely. Ulla herself was also very cool headed.  Eventually she was able to start from the point at which the music stopped and ended up with the Bronze individual medal! Overall, those Olympics are one of the most important highlights of my judging career,” declares Mary.

Photo: Mary Seefried at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Jill Hart – Technical Official

As an FEI Steward, Jill’s official title for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games was ‘Technical Official’ and she was part of the “green” team. 

“We all arrived in time to familiarise with the venue before the Games opened. The team consisted of people from many countries, some of whom have become long time friends. Our first surprise was learning we would be attending both the Opening and Closing ceremonies it was a wonderful treat” reminisces Jill.

“Apart from general stewarding, my main job was fence Judge at fence 9, the one before the first water so I had a great view. Several times the bus failed to arrive in the morning so those who had cars became our transport. On cross country morning no bus arrived so off we went in cars again. Arriving at the gate security told us “you can’t come in here it’s cross country day”. Well without us, there wont be any cross country, but it still took a stern radio call from central control to get the gate open! It was a great day seeing our team go clear.”

“On showjumping day I was on duty at the dressage practice arenas but Vince Roche radioed each Australian round to those who couldn’t watch and then got us relieved so we could watch the Medal Ceremony. 

“Sometimes I had stable duty, it was lovely to see all the marvellous horses relaxing. My favourite was the great Swiss horse Calvaro V. He was so big he had to have two stables made into one. He hadn’t travelled well so it wasn’t a great show for him and his groom Stefan was in constant attendance to get him right. He was full of personality and loved the apple I was allowed to give him under supervision by Stefan.

“Another highlight was watching the last two horses in the Freestyle Dressage. Gigolo and Bonfire, in the stable they looked quite stiff and tired but when their music started they came alive, it brought tears to my eyes. Just wonderful memories which I will enjoy forever” describes Jill.

Photo: Jill Hart and her 'crew' cross country 

Toni Venhaus – Assistant to the Equestrian Competition Manager

Toni Venhaus was appointed as the Assistant to the Equestrian Competition Manager at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and recalls the overwhelming sense of awe that came upon her as the Games began.

“My first few days at Horsely Park were during the horse arrival and quarantine period. As I walked up through the warm-up arenas heading for the office I had to pinch myself as it was difficult to believe that it really was Bonfire or Gigolo in the arena. Everyone felt the same – we were really excited and privileged to be a part of things.

“It’s hard for anyone to imagine just what is required to run an Olympic Games, even just the equestrian. The logistics and complexities are enormous. My job was to assist Franz when/where needed – keeping his files and office in order, doing administrative jobs plus odd jobs that needed a gofer to do. I also assisted in the office and helped Deb MacNicol (Dressage Manager) and her assistant Kate with the dressage part of the Games.

“A few incidents happened during the early period. One of the British Eventers, Rodney Powell, broke his ankle after falling off his horse whilst talking on his mobile phone! Bonfire also unseated Anky one day and she bit the dust.

“During Quarantine a ‘friendly dressage competition’ was held for the Eventers. Jessica Ransenhousen (Chef for the USA Team and International Judge) along with Gill Rickard judged the competition. We had a few laughs and the practice day seemed to have worked because the performances of some of the combinations improved on the actual competition days,” remembers Toni.

Photo: Toni Venhaus at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Diann Schrapel – Support Staff

During the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Diann Scrapel took on the role of a support team member for the equestrian events. 

In the lead up the Games Diann was also an Assistant FEI Steward at the 1999 Test Event, a time that she describes as “satisfying to be part of the team behind the scenes”. 

Diann had multiple jobs at the Games but one of her key roles was posting the results on the manual scoreboards, which she had to do “as neatly as possible” by hand. 

“It was a big job as first they did not have enough space for all the competitors, but I did enjoy writing up the boards. My school teacher background came in very valuable from teaching the kids how to write properly!” remembers Diann.

Photo: Diann Schrapel writing up the scores on the scoreboard

Brian Schrapel – Judge, Eventing

Brian Schrapel became the first Australian to judge equestrian at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and judged both the Team and Individual competitions. 

For Brian, who himself had ridden for Australia at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games in Eventing, the Games held special meaning with his career coming full circle. 

“A special milestone for me was having ridden for Australia at the Munich Olympic Games in 1972 in the Three Day Event Team and then judging the Three Day Event in Sydney - I was a boy who grew up in the South East of South Australia on a mixed farm and it also confirmed my belief in Australia’s ability to organise major events,” said Brian.

Photo: Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Eventing Ground Jury