Sharon Jarvis to Miss Paralympic Games Selection Event

Australian Para-Equestrian athlete Sharon Jarvis has withdrawn from the fourth and final Paralympic Games nomination event which will be held in Sydney from 13-15 May, because her horse, Applewood Odorado (Odie), is unable to make the trip from the duo’s base in WA.

The move means Jarvis, a Beijing Paralympic Games representative and 2010 World Equestrian Games dual bronze medalist, will not be eligible for a position on the 2012 London Paralympic Games team.

Jarvis has informed Equestrian Australia of her intention to withdraw from the fourth nomination event which will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from 13-15 May.   

“I have made the heartbreaking decision to no longer continue my campaign towards the London Paralympics with Odie. Despite all attempts to get him right for the trip to Sydney for the final nomination event, he is not fit to travel. As a result, we will miss this competition and forgo our chances of making the 2012 Australian Paralympic Team,” said Jarvis 

“As hard as this process has been, I know it is the right decision. We have travelled Australia and the world together, sharing many special moments, picking up two bronze medals at the World Equestrian Games and finishing in fourth place at Beijing,” she added.

“To those athletes who do make the team I am sure you will make Australia proud. Good luck,” said Jarvis.

Equestrian Australia’s National Performance Director for Para-Equestrian, Julia Battams says the team selected to compete in London will be one of the most competitive Para-Equestrian teams that has ever been assembled.

“Australian selectors are faced with a difficult task as we have a very talented group of riders in contention for Paralympic team selection,” said Battams. “The team that Australia sends to London will be looking to improve upon its sixth place it achieved it Beijing and we are confident our athletes can achieve this.”

“As we enter the final stages of the nine month nomination process we are working closely with members on the Paralympic Shadow Team to ensure they are prepared and focused for this final phase of competition.”

“Sharon Jarvis is one of Australia’s most accomplished Para-Equestrian athletes and we look forward to following her progress as she campaigns for a position on the 2014 World Equestrian Games and 2016 Paralympic Games teams,” said Battams.

Australia’s Para-Equestrianteam will be announced publicly mid-June.

Story: Michelle Cook/EA