RIO 2016 Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton from Alcester has announced he is to retire Royal Windsor Horse Show, along with his Olympic horse Big Star.
A true legend in the sport of show jumping, Nick’s career has spanned four decades and includes seven Olympic Games and 20 championship medals.
Since his first international championship in 1973, he has consistently remained at the top of his game with the ultimate highlight being his most recent success at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where he secured an Individual Gold Medal with Big Star.
Nick has also been credited with one of the greatest comebacks of all time after a fall in 2000 left him with serious injuries, including a broken neck, and forced him into early retirement.
However, he defied the odds to recover and made a courageous decision to start competing again.
His story captured the hearts of those who witnessed his victory at the Olympics, with the tear-jerking gold medal podium moment voted one of the highlights of the Games. The British public showed their support and respect for Nick’s achievement by voting for him to take third place in the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Big Star, owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson, has been partnered Nick since he was bought as a five-year-old.
The stallion helped him to win two Olympic Gold Medals, numerous major Grand Prix titles and consistently delivered clear rounds for Great Britain in Nations Cup competitions. The 14-year-old stallion will be officially retired on the Sunday of Royal Windsor Horse Show in the Castle Arena in front of HM The Queen.
The show director of Royal Windsor Horse Show, Simon Brooks-Ward said: “Nick Skelton is not only a legend of equestrian sport but of the whole sporting world. What he has achieved in his career is remarkable and we are honoured he has chosen Royal Windsor Horse Show as the place to officially retire along with Big Star.
“We are delighted that our ticket holders will have the opportunity to be there for this special occasion and we will make sure that both Nick Skelton and Big Star get the send-off they truly deserve.”
The event is on Sunday, May 14 and tickets can be purchased at www.rwhs.co.uk or by calling 0844 581 4960.
