11/06/2008

Phillips Bows Out Of Olympics

Champion equestrian Zara Phillips has withdrawn from the Olympics in Beijing as her horse is injured.

After her horse, Toytown was injured in training, the Queen's grand-daughter said in a statement: "I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go."

Phillips who was the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year was among the five riders selected for the Olympic equestrian team.

Last year, Phillips competed in the World Equestrian Games in Germany with Toytown and won a gold medal.

However, at the European Eventing Championships, Toytown refused some of the jumps denying her some gold medals.

Will Connell, Team Leader of the GB squad says he is "saddened" by the news.

He added that he "has a strong team of reserves" and "the team are now focused on trying to win medals".

A reserve rider and horse combination will now be selected by the British Olympic Association.

Show jumping is in Phillips blood. In 1972, her father, Mark won gold at the Munich Olympics and her mother, Princess Anne, won the European title at the eventing competition in 1971.

Ms Phillips, is twelfth in line for the throne, and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Years Honours List for her services to equestrianism.

(DS)


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