Debut rider Kevin McNab wins silver medal at the team equestrian event, 2021 Tokyo Olympics
Taking home a huge win for Australia and his family, Australian event rider Kevin McNab and his team dominated at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
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Taking home a huge win for Australia and his Chinchilla family, leading Australian event rider Kevin McNab and his team won the silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
McNab, along with Australia’s oldest Olympic medallist Andrew Hoy, and Shane Rose, put in an almost flawless performance during the team equestrian event on Saturday, July 31.
The world-leading showjumpers gave gold medal winners Great Britain a run for their money coming away with the silver medal with a 4.00 jumping score final and 100.20 penalties.
McNab’s mother-in-law and Chinchilla resident Julia Dougall said she was exceptionally proud of his performance and handling of his incredible horse, Don Quidam.
“It was nerve-rackingly awesome watching him compete, not because we wanted him to win but the pure fact we wanted it to go well so badly,” she said.
“We were all in tears, it was amazing to watch. Especially because it was his first Olympics and he came away with silver, it’s so amazing.
“It’s a dream for most and only a few get to live it, so it’s huge.”
Ms Dougall said her daughter and McNab’s partner, Emma also has a career in equestrian eventing and had competed at the World Equestrian Games in 2018.
“We are all very proud, Kevin has been through a lot of trials and battles to get where his is today,” she said.
“He and Emma moved to England for more sporting opportunities and that was quite difficult for them to leave home, but it’s definitely paid off.”
McNab’s teammate and sporting legend Andrew Hoy won a silver and bronze model in the equestrian competition during his eighth appearance at the Olympic Games, racking up an impressive six medals.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hoy said it was a special win for the team.
“We don’t come to these championships, especially Olympic Games, to finish in fourth, fifth or sixth,” he said.
“We only come to get a medal and look, it’s been a complete team effort. And for sure, Vassily De Lassos has done a wonderful job to finish on his dressage score.
“But if it wasn’t for Kevin, and also for Shane in the team, and this complete support team, we wouldn’t be here.
“It’s our high-performance team, it’s the Australian Olympic Committee behind us.”
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