QuoteWith less than two years to go until the 2016 Olympics open in Brazil, it was crunch time for Zara Phillips as the World Equestrian Games in Normandy began. The competition, which is one of the most prestigious in the eventing world, will take place in front of the selectors who will choose the team for Rio 2016.
Despite the high stakes, Zara, 33, looked relaxed as she put her bay gelding High Kingdom through his paces in the first horse inspection ahead of the main event.
Laughing and chatting with team member and world number one, William Fox-Pitt, the nerves clearly had yet to kick in. From tomorrow, however, it will be all business as she battles it out with some of the best eventers in the world, knowing only a brilliant performance will guarantee her a place in the team alongside the likes of Fox-Pitt and veteran rider, Mary King.
More: Crunch time for Zara! Royal raises a smile as she prepares to battle it out for place in Rio Olympic team | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2735979/Crunch-time-Zara-Royal-raises-smile-prepares-battle-place-Rio-Olympic-team.html)
Cindy
QuoteZara Phillips smiled through the rain today as she competed in the dressage phase of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at Le Pin National Stud, Normandie, France.
Though she wore a practical looking navy rainproof tracksuit during warm-up, protocol dictated the royal wear the traditional dressage attire of tailored jacket with tails, white jodhpurs and bowler hat for the eventing competition itself.
With scant protection from heavy downpours, Zara could be seen squinting through the raindrops as she rode her horse High Kingdom around the course.
More: Zara Phillips competes in the World Equestrian Games, but still manages a smile for the crowds | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2736655/Zara-Phillips-battles-elements-competes-prestigious-World-Equestrian-Games-talented-royal-manages-smile-crowds.html#ixzz3BiRfE0Ax)
QuoteZara Phillips Fights for Olympic Place at World Equestrian Games
In her first major competition since giving birth to baby Mia in January, the Queen's granddaughter impressed in the cross country at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, leading the field at one stage.
The 33-year-old former world champion, who won team eventing silver at London 2012, was cheered on by her rugby player husband Mike Tindall as she guided her horse over the jumps at Le Pin National Stud near Caen.
Despite a couple of hairy moments Zara, who won Sports Personality of the Year in 2006, powered through the challenging course to finish 15th ahead of today's third and final event, the show jumping.
Afterwards she told the Sunday Express it had been a "relief" to finish strongly after a disappointing dressage on Thursday, which probably dashed her medal hopes. "I sacrificed it in the dressage," she said. "I felt I was a little bit harshly treated but it sometimes happens when you go first."
More: EXCLUSIVE: Zara Phillips fights for Olympic place at World Equestrian Games | Royal | News | Daily Express (http://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/505278/EXCLUSIVE-Zara-Phillips-Olympic-World-Equestrian-Games)
Cindy
And, she's done it! :yesss:
Richard Palmer @RoyalReporter
Zara Phillips jumped a perfect round at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy today to qualify Great Britain for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
:polo: :yesss: :congrats:
QuoteRio? Grand! Zara Books 2016 Olympic Berth After Perfect Round at World Championship (VIDEO)
Zara Phillips is one step closer to her dream of Olympic gold as she has qualified for the 2016 Games. The Queen's granddaughter jumped a perfect round at the Alltech GEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, securing her place in Team GB for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Zara, 33, rode her bay gelding High Kingdom, with whom she won Olympic team silver two years ago.
She started the day looking determined and confident as she with High Kingdom out of a vets inspection. The Royal finished 11th overall and her score among the British riders was only beaten by world number one and team mate William Fox-Pitt.
More: Zara Phillips books 2016 Olympic berth after perfect round at world championship | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2739287/Rio-Grand-Zara-books-2016-Olympic-berth-perfect-round-world-championship.html)
Cindy
Zara Phillips helps Team GB qualify for Rio 2016 Olympic Games - hellomagazine.com (http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2014090120743/zara-phillips-tindall-qualifies-for-rio-2016/)
Good for Team UK!!!