Double Australian Olympian Lyndal Oatley has announced today that she has withdrawn herself from Australian Olympic team contention.
Oatley had qualified two horses for potential team selection: her top ride Elvive (by Tuschinski x Don Schufro) and Eros (by Sir Oldenburg x Ferro). Her international Grand Prix high score is 73.087%.
Oatley represented Australia with Sandro Boy (by Sandro Hit x ) at the 2012 Olympics in London and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
"It is with great disappointment that I announce I have made the difficult decision, in consultation with my family and husband/trainer, to withdraw my horses Elvive and Eros from Tokyo 2020 Olympic contention," Lyndal stated. "To represent your country at the Olympic Games is the ultimate goal and a privilege for any athlete. However, the impact of Covid-19 has presented significant challenges and has placed constraints on our preparation."
"Although both horses have qualified for the Games, Elvive and Eros are inexperienced at international level. While they show great promise for the future I feel it’s too much to ask of both horses to be in the form I would want them to be in for the Games," she added. "My horses’ wellbeing will always come first, and we will instead look ahead to the World Equestrian Games in 2022."
Lyndal continued, "I have notified EA High Performance and the Australian National Selectors directly, and everyone has been understanding and supportive of my decision. I will be cheering on our Australian team and all those competing at Tokyo 2020 from afar and wish all horses, athletes and teams a safe and successful Olympic Games."
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2021 Olympic Games
Photo Report: Kittel and Oatley Achieve Couple Goals at 2021 CDI-W Mariakalnok
Lyndal Oatley Debuts New Grand Prix Horse, Eros
Lyndal Oatley Secures New Ride, Elvive
Lyndal Oatley's Sandro Boy Passed Away