EQUESTRIAN MARY HANNA: ‘THIS ONE IS FOR THE GRANDKIDS!'

MEET THE AUSSIE GRANDMA CELEBRATING HER SIXTH OLYMPIC GAMES

- Lizzie Wilson

Mary Hanna was born to ride and, more than six decades later, the 66-year-old dressage champion has become the first Australian woman to make six Olympic teams!

“One thing is certain, the number six must be my lucky number!” the proud Victorian grandma tells New Idea hours before jetting off to Tokyo.

“I made my first Australian team in 1996 for the Atlanta Games – I was 42 years old! Most athletes’ careers have ended by then, but for me, I was just getting started. I tell the grandkids I was a late bloomer!” she laughs.

Qualifying for Tokyo 2020 has been bittersweet for the veteran Grand Prix rider, knowing her number-one fan– her devoted husband of 31 years, Rob – will not be at her side due to COVID restrictions.

“He’s my rock – I couldn’t do what I do without his support,” adds Mary.