Eventing debut for SA

SOUTH Africa will be represented in the discipline of eventing at the London Olympic Games for the first time in 20 years.

Alex Peternell, 30, who is based in the UK, and Paul Hart, 44, from Johannesburg, have met the qualification requirements for the Olympics, the South African Equestrian Association announced Friday. Eventing, one of the most difficult equestrian disciplines, comprises three phases: dressage, cross-country and jumping. The last person to represent SA in the event was David Rissik at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Hart and Peternell will compete against each other for the Olympic berth as there is only one spot available for SA. The successful rider - the one deemed to have performed best in competitions over the next few months and to be in the best shape - will be chosen about six weeks before the Games.

Hart, who qualified on his thoroughbred, Heartbreak Hill, otherwise known as "Harry", said yesterday he was thrilled to have qualified as it was a childhood dream to compete at the Olympics. Hart, who has been riding since he was 10, commutes between the UK - where his horses are stabled - and South Africa.

Peternell, 30, who lives in the UK, said on his website that qualifying for the Olympics was his goal for 2012.

He attended the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg before leaving SA after matriculating, aged 17, to work and train at Stal Schockermohle in Germany.

The final Sascoc team will be announced on June 7

Anthony Dawson, Wendy Moller, Philippa Johnson and Marion Milne have also qualified for the Para Dressage team event at the Para Olympic Games.