European Championships in Strzegom with the BBC
It was very exciting to be present at the European championships in Strzegom. Our team looked so strong in all three phases and to come away with team gold and Nicola’s bronze medal is a real shot in the arm for eventing in Britain. Aside from the medals it was thrilling that thanks to Nicola, Tina, Ros and Gemma there were four union flags in the top eight.
I thoroughly enjoyed my week working with the team at the BBC. As a competitor it’s not often that you can stand back and watch the whole competition unfold so it was a great opportunity to look in from the outside.
It was Adam Cromarty’s first foray into eventing commentary which was not an easy ask but he was great to work with. Presenter Kat Downes filled Clare Balding’s usual role quite brilliantly whilst producer Helen and cameraman Graham kept up all in order. I had an interesting moment when I accidently checked out of my hotel room a day early but rectified the situation in a game of charades with the non English speaking receptionist. When I arrived back in my hotel that evening however, Goldilocks had been in my bed and left her silk nightie draped over the end of it, causing much hilarity and chaos for the Polish hoteliers.
It was great to have a change of scene, or at least a change of role for a few days, and the six British riders did themselves and the country proud. It’s now back to business as usual for the final week of preparation before Away Cruising and I set off to Burghley.
