Mark Todd may have dominated the sport of eventing for much of the past three decades, but the New Zealander’s ferociously competitive streak remains undimmed.

Todd is currently sporting an injured knee – not as a result of his hazardous riding career, but from a holiday confrontation with an African elephant! While most would turn and run at the sight of a fast-approaching bull elephant, Todd stood his ground until the very last moment before launching himself into a nearby bush. .

“He skidded to a halt and literally kicked sand at me as I crawled out the other side and limped away,” chuckles the 55 year-old, rubbing his swollen limb. 

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• Read this great story about Mark Todd and his hopes for the London Olympics at www.telegraph.co.uk