Ellen Birgitte Farbrot has qualified herself as the sole Norwegian individual rider for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, 23 - 28 July 2021.
Norway had obtained one individual slot for the Tokyo Games, but it wasn't until the 2021 CDI Grote Brogel this weekend that the only Norwegian candidate for that entry achieved the Minimum Eligibility Requirement.
Aboard the 16-year old Oldenburg bred Tailormade Red Rebel (by Skovens Rafael x Donnerhall x Pik Bube I) she made her international Grand Prix debut in February 2020 right before the corona outbreak.
Fifteen months later, at the 2021 CDI Exloo on 5 May 2021 they achieved their first MER score when they posted 67.460%. Two days ago they achieved their second mandatory MER to be eligible to go to Tokyo. At the 2021 CDI Grote Brogel on 14 May 2021 she got 67.391% to finish 24th in the Grand Prix.
"Oh my goodness! I’m lost of words," said Farbrot upon realizing her accomplishment. "This happy pill of a horse just made so many of my dreams come true. Who could have imagined that we would dance our way through the qualifiers for the olympics. The joy he brings to my life, and the experience we have earned together is priceless! Qualifying for the olympics is as close as it gets-realising the dreams of an athlete."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2021 Olympic Games
The End of the Long Chase for Tokyo Places: Team and Individual Spots Known
Ellen Birgitte Farbrot and Red Rebel Shine in Small Tour at 2019 CDI Lillestrom