It’s medals galore for Britain as Cook lands double success
Emotional Tina Cook spoke of her “dream come true” after helping Great Britain to a double Olympic medal success in the equestrian in Hong Kong.
Cook, competing in her first Olympic Games at the age of 37, bagged two bronze medals in a matter of hours after enjoying success in both the individual and team events.
“I can’t speak,” the Sussex-based mother of two said. “It is unbelievable, like a dream come true.”
Cook started the day with team success in mind and led from the front as Britain attempted to haul back second-placed Australia.
Although they never really challenged for the silver medal, Cook ensured the 11.70-point gap was reduced as her 10-year-old horse Miners Frolic – the youngest in the British team – enjoyed a clear round.
William Fox-Pitt picked up just four penalty points on Parkmore Ed for a final tally of 64.20, while veteran Mary King, on Call Again Cavalier, scored eight penalty points to finish on 64.10.
This handed Britain a team total of 185.70, eclipsing the performances of both the Australians and gold medal winners Germany.
“I’m so excited,” Cook said after collecting the team bronze. “The way he has jumped feels great. The horse is really young and I’m really pleased with him as he has never seen anything like this before.”
But Cook’s day was to get even better as she rallied to her second medal of the afternoon and Britain’s sixth of the Games so far.
Lying in joint sixth heading into the final show jumping stage, Cook landed a clear round to see her briefly occupy first place.
She faced an anxious wait as she watched six riders follow her, but four of them picked up penalties, elevating her to third.
Germany celebrated double gold after Hinrich Romeike came home for the gold, while Gina Miles of the United States claimed silver.
King secured 13th in the individual event with 68.10 points, one place ahead of team-mate Fox-Pitt on Parkmore Ed. Daisy Dick finished a disappointing 28th on Spring Along with Sharon Hunt in 34th.