Rose Joins History Making Equestrian Team in Paris

The nine-member Australian Equestrian team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been announced by the Australian Olympic Committee.

Edwina Tops-Alexander will make history as Australia’s first five-time Olympian showjumper after making her debut at Beijing 2008, while Tokyo silver medallist in Eventing, and NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Shane Rose, has been selected for his fourth Games.

“It is always an honour to be selected to represent Australia but there is something very special about being chosen on the Australian Olympic team. For me, it has been a rough and rocky road to get to this point. It is a huge relief to gain selection.

“Our Eventing team is strong and together if we all perform at our best we have a great chance of standing on that podium. I look forward to the challenge and hope to make everyone who has supported me on this journey proud.

“So many people have contributed to having me 100% fit and ready to perform,” he said.

Shane Rose

The team features four debutantes – two each in the Dressage and Jumping disciplines while the Eventing team of Chris Burton, Shane Rose and Kevin McNab have a total of 6 (six) Games and five Olympic medals between them.

Shane Rose has won a medal at all three of his Olympic appearances. Silver Beijing 2008, Bronze Rio 2016 and Silver Tokyo 2020.

For the first time, Australia will compete with an all-female Jumping team with Edwina Tops-Alexander joined by debutantes Hilary Scott and Thaisa Erwin.

Australia has a proud Equestrian pedigree at the Olympic Games contributing 14 medals (6 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze).

Australia first competed in Equestrian at the Melbourne 1956 Games, although competition was actually held in Stockholm and not Melbourne due to quarantine restrictions at that time.

Paris 2024 Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares says the Equestrian team for these Games will live up to Australia’s wonderful heritage in Olympic competition.

“Congratulations to all nine athletes who are selected to compete in the beautiful venue at Versailles.

“It’s a very proud moment for the athletes, whether debutante or seasoned Olympian. But behind each of them are dedicated families, friends, support teams, mentors and others who will share this Paris journey.

“Their performances have earned them a deserved place in our Olympic history and I know they will do us proud,” she said.

Equestrian Australia (EA) Chair Christie Freeman says the sport is delighted to have had so many strong combinations competing for selection.

“We are incredibly proud of our athletes who have campaigned so hard to be chosen.  All of them exemplify the strength, courage resilience and determination our sport has been associated with for generations. 

“Each of our teams is a great representation of the nature of our sport, where men and women and experienced and youthful athletes all pit themselves against each other and for the first time ever we have an all-female Jumping team.  

“We have athletes on horses born and bred here in Australia who have campaigned and been selected from our home soil, ranging from a retired racehorse to purpose bred performance horses.

“Equestrian sport is defined by the unique relationship between horse and rider and these combinations have spent years developing a bond like no other. We are truly excited to see them in the beautiful gardens of the Palace of Versailles for the Paris 2024 Olympics.  

“We thank the ASC and the AIS for all the support of our athletes. 

Hilary Scott says: “I am honoured to be selected to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics with my loyal partner Oaks Milky Way. I’m extremely grateful and proud of our entire team who have made this possible.

“Growing up in country Australia it was my childhood dream, and incredible to think it is now a reality. Kids, don’t give up on your dreams.”

Jayden Brown says: “I couldn’t be more excited about representing Australia at my first Olympics with Quincy B, a horse I have trained since he was 3 years old. I’m incredibly grateful to Terry and Ginette Snow, Quincy’s owners who have supported this dream and I could not have done it without them.’

Mary Hanna, NSWIS athlete Shenae Lowings and Amber Fuller have been named as the travelling reserves (known as AP athletes under Games accreditation).

The travelling reserves can be selected as a replacement athlete onto the Australian Olympic Team in case of injury or other withdrawal of one of the selected athletes.

Note: The Australian team for Equestrian is subject to an ongoing appeal by a non-nominated athlete in the Dressage discipline. Any updates will be communicated in line with that process.

Horses ridden at Tokyo 2020

• Kevin McNab – Don Quidam                                                              
• Shane Rose – Virgil
• Simone Pearce – Destano

Most Games – Australian Equestrian Jumping (including Paris 2024)

• 5            Edwina Tops-Alexander (2008—2024)
• 3            Kevin Bacon (1964—1976)
• 3            Matt Williams (2008—2016)

Most Games – Australian Eventing

• 8            Andrew Hoy  (1984—2020)
• 5            Bill Roycroft  (1960—2000)
• 4            Shane Rose  (2008—2024)

The Equestrian Eventing, Dressage and Jumping competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be held at the Château de Versailles venue in Île-de-France. The Eventing from Saturday 27 July to Monday 29 July, the Dressage from Tuesday 30 July to Sunday 4 August and the Jumping Thursday 1 August to Tuesday 6 August 2024.

Article courtesy of AOC