Bold as Brash – Scott makes Olympic history
GOLDEN boy Scott Brash became the first born and bred Borderer to win a Gold medal in the modern Olympic era on Monday and is hopeful that his recent success in the team show jumping event means that he won’t be the last.
Speaking to the Southern yesterday, before in the individual contest the 26-year-old Peeblean said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with my medal and the success of the British equestrian team as a whole and if it boosts our sport both within the Borders and further afield then it’s all the more to the good.
“I have been keeping in touch with people back at home and think the reaction this medal has created is amazing. I would like to thank everyone up there for their support and good wishes throughout the competition.”
After an unforgettable contest at Greenwich, culminating in a dramatic jump-off between GB and the Netherlands, Scott and Team GB team mates Nick Skelton, Ben Maher, Peter Charles made history when clinching the first ever Olympic show jumping Gold in 60 years.
Riding Hello Sanctos, owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham, Brash was instrumental in getting the team into the jump-off, with a terrific clear round which earned him the full ear shattering approval of the home crowd which included dad, Stanley, mum, Caroline, sister Lea and brother Murray.
Brash was the first Borderer to compete at the Olympics since eventer Ian Stark won his fourth silver medal in the Team Eventing at Sydney in 2000 and having already notched wins in America, Italy, France and Belgium this year Brash was always keen to add the ultimate prize to his collection. He is the only member of the jumping team to be making their Olympic debut in London but he was part of the British team for the World Equestrian Games in 2010 where he rode Intertoy Z. These experiences have went some way to preparing Brash for the massive crowd support in London although he admitted that it took his horse a while to settle.
“I think he was a bit shell shocked to start with but he has settled as we have went along and by the time Monday’s session came we were both in a really good place,” he explained.
Brash started riding at the age of seven and went to his first show when he was nine. He is the number one Scottish show jumper, ranked fourth in Britain and is also world ranked. Based in Peebles, Brash has his own yard where he breeds and trains his horses supported by his dad Stanley and sister Lea.
Earlier this year, he was awarded the Tweeddale Sports Council’s Sports Personality of the Year award where he told us of his Olympic dream – a dream that has come true this week.
“Everything has happened so quickly and each year has just got better and better for me. When I think about the fact that I only got the ride on Sanctos at the end of last year and the way we have bonded along with the confidence I have in him, it’s quite remarkable,” he added.
“I remember watching the Olympics four years ago and never thought that I would be in the position I’m in today.”
Described as a dedicated, fully focused, talented and highly skilful rider Brash has been finding success his own way. Accumulating a variety of honours through sheer grit and determination – producing his own raw young horses from novice to Grade A.
Ahead of his individual appearance yesterday Brash said: “I’m feeling good, the horse is good, anything can happen.”
Britain last won an Olympic show jumping medal in 1984, with their last individual podium finish coming at the Munich Games 12 years earlier.
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Weather for Galashiels
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
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