Zara Phillips out of the Beijing Olympics

Who? If you are asking this question you may not be British! Zara Phillips (, MBE is the second child and only daughter of HRH The Princess Anne, Princess Royal and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips), or more accurately her horse Toytown, has been withdrawn from the Beijing Olympics due to injury.

Zara is a World and European Champion (as well as 2006 BBC Sports Personality of the Year), so it is not only royal watchers who will be disappointed by her withdrawl.

Zara Phillips commented:

“I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go. However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team, I wish them every success.”

Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 Chef de Mission said:

“This must be a huge disappointment to Zara particularly following the pair’s success over the last few years. Naturally we now need to focus our full support on the rest of the team including Zara’s replacement and give them every opportunity of competing to their full in Hong Kong.”

Will Connell, Team Leader for the Equestrian Team commented:

“The British team are saddened by the news, especially for Zara and her team. We have a strong team of reserves and the team are now focused on trying to win medals.”

Source: BOA


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