The Australian equestrian team heading to Paris for the Olympic Games is one that will go down in history, with the oldest competing Olympian in the reserve side heading to her seventh games.
Mary Hanna is turning 70 at the end of the year, and she is currently in Paris as an AP athlete (otherwise known as a non-competing athlete) for Australia’s dressage team. In the event of an injury or any other reason that forces an athlete to withdraw from competition, AP athletes replace them.
Hanna’s debut Olympic appearance was in 1996 in Atlanta and has appeared at every Olympic Games since, except for Beijing in 2008. Her best result was finishing 24th individually at the Atlanta Games, and 6th in the team event at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Last week, in a post on Instagram, Hanna said she is excited to be joining the Australian Olympic team for her seventh Olympic Games appearance.
“Getting exciting now,” she wrote. “We are ready, for whatever unfolds… So looking forward to supporting our team.”
Second to Hanna as the most senior woman at the Paris Olympics is Jill Irving, representing Canada in equestrian. She is 61 years old.
It’s not the only history-making moment for the sport. This year is the first time Australia’s equestrian team for the Jumping category, a mixed gender event, is made up of an all-female team.
Edwina Tops-Alexander, 50, is Australia’s first showjumper to compete at five Olympic Games. She has competed at every Olympics since her debut at Beijing in 2008. Joining her in the Jumping team are debutantes Hilary Scott and Thaisa Erwin.
Equestrian Australia Chair Christie Freeman said she is “incredibly proud” of the athletes on Australia’s equestrian team.
“Each of our teams is a great representation of the nature of our sport, where men and women and experienced and youthful athletes all pit themselves against each other and for the first time ever we have an all-female Jumping team,” Freeman said.
“Equestrian sport is defined by the unique relationship between horse and rider and these combinations have spent years developing a bond like no other. We are truly excited to see them in the beautiful gardens of the Palace of Versailles for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
Hilary Scott began riding when she was four years old. Now, at 36 years old, she is “honoured” to be making her debut at Paris.
“I’m extremely grateful and proud of our entire team who have made this possible,” Scott said.
“Growing up in country Australia it was my childhood dream, and incredible to think it is now a reality. Kids, don’t give up on your dreams.”
The equestrian competitions will be broadcast from Saturday 27 June in the evenings (AEST).