Ready to put on a good show

John Whitaker - one of the GB show-jumpers

Following the completion of the Olympic three-day event competitions, the show-jumping gets underway this week.

As the BBC's Lee McKenzie reports, it's the end of an era for the man in charge of the British squad.

The Great Britain Olympic show-jumping squad will be at full strength following Sunday's veterinary inspection, at which all five horses were accepted.

The line-up reads: Geoff Billington (It's Otto), Carl Edwards (Bit More Candy), John Whitaker (Calvaro) and Michael Whitaker (Ashley and Prince of Wales).

Chef d'Equipe Ronnie Massarella, preparing for his final Olympics after 31 years in charge, reports that everything has gone smoothly for the squad so far.

He said: "The horses and riders are all fit and well, and we've had a good rest. We may be a bit short of match practice, but that applies to everyone else too."

Impressed

The team boss has also been impressed by the set-up at Horsley Park, 20 miles west of Sydney city centre, where all the equestrian sports are being held.

"The facilities are fantastic and the Aussies have been really good to work with," he said.

Massarella rates show-jumping as one of the most competitive sports in the entire Olympic Games.

"There are 29 countries taking part and 15 or 16 of them are top-class," he observes.

"But we've had a nice workout and we'll be trying very hard. We're confident we can do well if we get a little bit of luck."

Sad

The doyen of British show-jumping has been supervising the chase for Olympic medals since the Munich games, and he admits he's sad it's all coming to an end.

"Over the years I've met some wonderful people and it would be nice to go out with a medal," he reflects.

"I'm beginning to get a few butterflies now."

Qualification for the individual competition begins on Monday, with the medal positions being decided on 1 October.

The team contest takes place on 28 September.