Olympics–Eventing

Every time the Olympics roll around, I get excited to watch, learn about the athletes, and learn new things about the host city.  And I may, on occasion, while I’m swimming laps, imagine I’m competing in an Olympic race…

The London 2012 Summer Games start on July 27th–leading up to, and during the Olympics, I’ll write a few posts about the Games.

I thought I’d start with the oldest athlete to compete.  You may already know that British royalty is competing as part of the eventing squad (eventing squad/team are those competing in equestrian competition).

Riding in a carriage is not an Olympic event…(Source)

Wills’ cousin and the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips is part of the British eventing squad competing in London.

Source

But did you know that one of Ms. Phillips’ competitors will be Hiroshi Hoketsu?   The 71 year old Japanese equestrian competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics, qualified for the 1988 Summer Olympics (but did not compete when his horse was quarantined), competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics, and will be the oldest athlete competing in the 2012 Summer Games.

Source

He was the oldest athlete in the 2008 Summer Olympics, the oldest Olympian to compete for Japan, and the second oldest Olympian to ever compete–second to shooter Oscar Swahn of Sweden who, at the age of 72, competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics.

Oscar Swahn (Source)

For more on the equestrian competition in London, check out Eating like a horse–she’s going to the Olympics!

What event Olympic event are you most looking forward to watching?