Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Thoughts on Olympic Selection



Otis having a well-deserved rest and snack!
 

I must admit that I am over the moon about the decision that was made yesterday. 
I am honored that I have been picked with Otis Barbotiere to represent the US in London in a few weeks. I believe the selectors have picked the right horse for this particular event; Otis is the strongest show jumper of the three, and I believe that has made the difference.

I would like to send out a special thanks to the Otis Syndicate for giving me the opportunity to ride such an awesome athlete. They have been very supporting and encouraging throughout the challenges that have been put in front of us.  I would especially like to thank Steve Blauner, who dug deep to finance this horse while I sold the shares.

There have been so many people who have helped me get to this position that it would be impossible to list them all. However I would like to mention that I would not have even come close without my wife Silva or my Mum and Dad. Yesterday was a tough day with the  announcement being the on the anniversary of my father's death, as well as Silva's Dad's birthday. It would have been great for Rossco and Christoph to be around for this.

I believe that it is important for us to understand that NOW it begins. The goal was not to just make the team, but to produce a remarkable performance when it matters, so that we can go to London and surprise the world!

Boyd

24 comments:

  1. Congratulations! Go Boyd! Sorry your father and father in law could not be here to see this however I am sure they are with you watching every step cheering you on! I am hoping for the best results for you!

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  2. How exciting!!!! I knew you could do it. We will be behind you 100%!!!

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  3. You cannot read the right side of the blog.

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  4. We are all so proud to have you represent the United States in the 2012 Olympics! Kudos and good luck to all of you!

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  5. Of course your father and father-in-law are with you! They will be with you every step of the way. Go to London and know that you have inspired so many people to stand tall in the face of adversity and to stay focused on the future. Enjoy every minute of your experience at the Olympics!

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  6. I am SO excited for you!!!! Can't wait to root you on in London from the US!!!! BEST OF LUCK!!!!! <3

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  7. I'm so excited to see you go in London!! Otis is a great horse and you guys will kick butt!! Go Team USA!

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  8. I'm so excited to see you go in London!! Otis is a great horse and you guys will kick butt!! Go Team USA!

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  9. GO USA!!!! The selectors definetly made the right choices for our team!

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    1. I respectfully disagree. Karen O'Connor did not earned her place in the US team. In retrospect, making Sinead Halpin skip Rolex KY this year was detrimental to her and the US team.

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    2. Hopefully, Karen will do better in London than she did in Beijing, but Allison Springer would have been a better choice. Besides Red Hills, I cannot think of a competition where Karen & Mr. Medicott have beaten Allison & Arthur.

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  10. i can't wait to watch you and Otis!!!! you guys are going to be awesome!!!!! i wish you all the luck out there!!!!!

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  11. Congratulations Boyd. Amazing job. Now I have to find and read about Otis... I think you should know best about the horses strengths. And what little I know--I know that third day is TOUGH on tired horses.

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  12. Congrats! It wouldn't have been the best team without you! Keep up the confidence and class in England!!

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  13. Go Boyd!! Just do it.

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  14. Thank you for representing the USA..Go Team USA

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  15. congratulations!
    I was again inspired by your reflection that ".... now it begins." and am reminded of how you previously quoted your mother ( I think )-about how she regretted being satisfied with 'merely' making the team in her olympic sport, feeling that that was the biggest achievement (Which is how I would TOTALLY feel!).
    Listening and learning, absorbing your parents love and experience and channeling it into your Olympic experience is probably what helps determine the medalists from the participants... go for the gold, absolutely! & good luck!
    Diana

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  16. Of all your natural and hard earned talents, the most inspiring one (for me) is your humbleness. You sure know how good you are, but you never take it for granted, and you always take the time to thank those who made your achievements possible.
    It is a real treat to witness your masterful carrier unfold.

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    1. Wonderfully expressed in words I could not find... Go Boyd!

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  17. Congratulations! You and Otis will be awesome, Otis may be a bit green but with his bravery and his strength and your desire to win, you both are unstoppable. I believe Neville understands what is happening and feels fortunate that he can be there for you. Please no regrets and Godspeed to both of you. Xo

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  18. Boyd, all of your hard work has brought you and Otis to this great event. It’s been a wonderful ride and for this we are grateful. Enjoy every moment! It will be wonderful to see you share your talents with all who will have the opportunity to see you ride. When you are on course may you have Light speed, when you jump, May you clear the moon, most importantly, hang on and be safe. Look out world and pay attention or you might just miss Team Botis!

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  19. It was your ride on Otis at Rolex that cemented for me that you really are a rock star! All my positive thoughts are sent your way.
    debora

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  20. Congratulations - so Excited for you!! Can't wait to watch the competition and the success for Team USA!! I was inspired to read the story of Neville Bardos and was hoping to watch you ride him - but I guess I'm an inspirational success story junkie! Otis will certainly be fantastic and I can't wait to watch the two of you soar! Your moment awaits!

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  21. Good Luck Boyd and Otis! We will be cheering you on here at Holistic Horse Magazine!
    -Carolyn Crew

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