Maher jumping at Olympic chance

Maher will compete with 10-year-old mare Rolette

Elsenham showjumper Ben Maher admits his selection for the Olympics came sooner than he was initially expecting.

The 25-year-old and his horse Rolette are part of the Great Britain team that will compete in the equestrian events held in Hong Kong.

"I thought that I may have had a chance to be in one of the five, or maybe a travelling reserve," said Maher.

"But I got the right results at the right time and it pushed me directly into the team."

He added: "Maybe it was a little bit early in my career, but I managed to get everything right at the right time.

It's a great feeling, it gives everyone a lift and hopefully we can give a good performance when we get there Ben Maher

"I think some other people thought it may have been another team, but that's what I was aiming for."

Maher's mount, 10-year-old mare Rolette, is stabled at his family's stud farm in Elsenham and he was quick to pay tribute to those that have helped him achieve his Olympic dream.

"It's a big team effort," he told BBC Essex. "I've got a couple of people who have worked for me more recently now that we're starting to do more shows and become a lot bigger.

"I've also got a great support from owners and sponsors and it's a great feeling. It gives everyone a lift and hopefully we can give a good performance when we get there."