Laurie Lever of Australia and Drossel Dan in action during the Team Jumping Competition held at the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue in Sha Tin during day 10 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. © Julian Herbert/Getty Images

NO TIME FOR NERVES, AUSSIES READY TO JUMP INTO HISTORY BOOKS

Equestrian was first an Olympic sport in 1900, had a short hiatus until 1912 and has been on the Olympic program ever since. In London, equestrian will be held over 12 days and will offer up six medal events including two in the show jumping discipline. Australia is yet to win a jumping medal.

In 2008 Victorian Laurie Lever became one of only three Australian athletes to compete over the age of 60 (with James Roycroft and Harold Brooke) when he jumped in Beijing.

Australia’s jumping team is sure to lead by Olympian Edwina Tops-Alexander who’s recent form saw her become the first female to win the prestigious Global Champions tour in 2011. Consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world (a feat not achieved by any Aussies since the 1980s), Edwina is looking for not only team success in London by hopes for individual glory on her number one steed Cevo Itot du Chateau.

JUMPING FORMAT

Athletes compete as individuals, with the top three athlete/horse combination scores after the first two rounds of competition, contributing towards the teams’ medals.

There are five rounds of competition, with all rounds counting towards individual medals.  The number of ‘penalties’ determines whether an athlete progresses through to the next round.

If at the end of the fifth and final round there are two or more athlete/horse combinations that are tied for medals, there will be a final jump-off to break the tie.

QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION

Australia’s strong performance at the 2010 World Equestrian Games meant Australia saw Australia automatically qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games in jumping.

The jumping team will be made up of four members plus a reserve member. There will be three nomination events for the Australian Jumping Team in 2012 with selectors choosing riders to compete at only two of those events. There will be Lummen in Belgium from 2-6 May, Linz, Austria from 10 - 13 May and from 31 May - 3 June in Bourg en Bresse, France. Selectors also have the option to pre-nominate a rider for outstanding performances outside of the nomination events.

For all the Nomination and Selection documentation click here>>>

AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC HISTORY

Australia is yet to win a medal in jumping but has enjoyed an illustrious history in the eventing discipline. At the Tokyo 1964 Olympics Thomas Fahey narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the show jumping grand prix.

To read more about Australia’s Olympic equestrian history click here>>>