An experience I will never forget

The BGA spoke to Francesca Gorni, travelling groom to Tom McEwen Eventing, as she tells us about her first Olympic Games.

Eventing groom and BGA member Francesca has worked for Tom for almost three years and is #supergroom to Toledo de Kerser.

Francesca shares her thoughts after the Team GB eventers won Gold, and Tom went on to a nail-biting second jumping round which saw him move from individual fifth to second place - claiming the silver medal. 

Tuesday 3rd August

I can't believe these are our last days in Tokyo; what an incredible experience the last few weeks have been.

I woke up this morning feeling like it was all a dream. I looked at my phone and realised that I wasn’t dreaming and we had actually won two Olympic medals, but it took a couple of minutes to sink in again.

Once the competition started it felt like everything we had all been working so hard for was finally happening, but getting here had taken a lifetime.

We all tried to stay pretty calm as Toledo always picks up on tension so you have to pretend everything is fine and just get him ready at the last minute.

From the outset, we were going for team gold. We have an amazing team of horses, riders, grooms and support staff and everything was very smooth and went to plan.

The most nerve-wracking bit for me was the showjumping. When your horse and rider go cross country you just want them both home safe, so it’s slightly different nerves.

The emotion around the showjumping came as a surprise. There was so much tension and anticipation, which just increased as the competition went on into the individual round.

I forgot about the TV camera being there when it caught me crying – that was a moment of relief and pride, to be at the Olympics as part of Team GB working with Toledo. It was just overwhelming.

When we had found out that we had broken a record as well it was quite a special moment. To be part of Olympic history is incredible and we are all still pinching ourselves. [The Team GB combined finishing score is the lowest ever in the history of the Olympic Games].

I’ve never been to an Olympic Games before but the levels of tension, excitement and team spirit in Tokyo have been amazing.

I don’t know how it could have been any better with spectators. It would have been nice to see other sports, but I am looking forward to watching the showjumping later.

The accommodation is great, the cardboard bed is so comfy – I’ve been sleeping really well and Team GB went wild on the rooms before we got here!

Getting to the Olympics is a real team effort and the guys at home are so integral to winning the medals as well. The team at home had all filmed themselves watching the XC and SJ and sent it to us, it was hysterical to see them cheering and going wild - it meant so much.

Today is an easy day, we went hand grazing and let the horses have a paddle in the water jump and have a good old splash around. They all had a fab time and thoroughly enjoyed some downtime.

The riders left today, the horses leave in two days and we will meet the horses when they arrive back home.

When I get home I can’t wait to use a knife and fork that is not plastic! I am also looking forward to getting Toledo in the field for some downtime, and connecting with my friends and family who have all been so involved and so supportive.

It has been an absolutely epic experience and one I will never forget.

Francesca

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