On the plus side…

For some riders, the year’s delay before the Olympics will help more than hinder. Sarah Radford finds out how it could work to their advantage

- Sarah Radford

RIDERS, probably more than any other Olympic athlete, will be qualified to rise up from the ashes of their best-laid plans and realign themselves for Tokyo’s new date in 2021.

Equestrian sport puts competitors in a particularly vulnerable position when it comes to uninvited surprises – whether it’s horses being sold, injuries or other disappointments. As eventer Harry Meade says, “we are quite used to having to readjust and recalibrate”.

While this year’s unscheduled shutdown may have been a visceral blow for those who had meticulously stage-managed their four-year plan to peak this summer, there are also those for whom the pandemic has blasted open the door of opportunity.

“For some it will be a positive move and there will be horses for whom another year of experience will put them in contention for the Games. Unfortunately for some combinations it might also be a year too late,” British eventing performance manager Dickie Waygood summarises.

“It wouldn’t surprise me, though, if we see some combinations whose performances have been accelerated because of the time they have had to work on their strength, condition and technical skills.”

British showjumping’s performance manager Di Lampard agrees that the postponement may shake up the form book, although she remains disappointed at the interruption to the British team’s campaign.