One moment in time

The Olympics is the zenith of an athlete's career but precious few scale those giddy heights. Sue Polley asks four British Olympians about their most memorable experiences 

- Sue Polley

IN a power ballad written for the 1998 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Whitney Houston famously sang: “I want one moment in time, when I’m all that I thought I could be”. With Paris 2024 on the horizon, H&H talks to some former Olympians about their one moment in time, the impact selection had on them and what legacy being an Olympian has left.

NICOLA WILSON

Eventing team silver at London 2012 with Rosemary Search's Opposition Buzz

“BECOMING an Olympian had been a goal of mine ever since I first saw coverage of the Games on television as a child,” says Nicola. “We all have dreams, and that was mine.”

Her dream was nearly realised in 2008 when she and Opposition Buzz (Dodi) were selected as reserves. Ultimately, they weren’t required to travel but with subsequent consistent results at five-star level, the pair went on to be selected for major championships between 2009 and 2011.

Their Olympic selection in 2012, however, was bittersweet. Selected as first reserves, Nicola and Dodi were called up after an injury to her friend Piggy March’s horse, DHI Topper W, ruled that pair out.

“The build-up to the Games was incredible but extremely nerve-racking,” reminisces Nicola. “I was constantly worried about where Dodi was putting his feet. Finally moving into the stables was an incredible feeling but, in the back of my mind, I knew our place wasn’t 100% secure until the competition started. “On the morning of the first vet inspection we had our own team trot-up with all the reserve horses on standby in case of any problems – it was terrifying.”