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Former Kiwi showjumper clears hurdle

Equestrian

A marathon meeting between executives of equestrian’s governing body and the International Olympic Committee led to Australia’s two female showjumpers being free to compete as individuals at Tokyo.

The disqualification of equestrian Jamie Kermond from the Australian showjumping team for a doping breach and the failure of the travelling reserve, Rowan Willis, to quarantine his horse on time, meant the team could not compete in Tokyo. It also threatened the possibility of the remaining riders securing individual slots.

However, the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed yesterday that the two female riders, former New Zealand Olympian Katie Laurie and Edwina Tops-Alexander, can compete as individuals.

Tops-Alexander will compete in a milestone fourth Olympics and is considered a medal chance.

‘‘I’m very happy about the outcome for myself and Katie Laurie to be able to compete as individuals in Tokyo,’’ she said.

Laurie, making her Olympic debut for Australia, said: ‘‘Words cannot describe the feeling of hearing that Edwina and I could both go as individuals. It’s been a rollercoaster but we are ready and so excited to get to Tokyo.’’

Laurie (formerly McVean) rode for New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but has since switched her allegiance to Australia.

Equestrian Australia chief executive Darren Gocher explained that the delay in the decision came from the FEI making a preliminary view and then requiring a legal sign-off from the IOC.

Sport

en-nz

2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282153589305885

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