Nick Skelton has called for the Olympic qualifying rules to be changed following the failure of the British showjumping team to reach the Athens Games.
The five-time Olympian believes the system used by the FEI, the sport’s international governing body, was too restrictive.
With the likes of Michael and John Whitaker, Robert Smith, Robert Whitaker and Skelton, Britain could have competed well at these Games.
But disappointing performances at the qualifying competition in 2003 saw Britain fail to reach the Olympics for the first time.
”I think there should be a change to the qualifying system,” said Skelton. ”We didn’t perform at our qualifying competition and that is our fault, but I think the system still needs to be looked at.
Advertisement
”There are a number of teams here who are going to find it difficult out there and they are not going to do themselves justice.
”We have some very strong competitors in Britain and in the end, because we were not part of the team competition, we could only qualify two horses.
”We have had the same system for some time but I think the governing body should consider changing it.”
Skelton, who is competing in the individual competition along with Robert Smith, produced a superb opening round, incurring just one time fault, to leave himself in joint 11th position, firmly in contention for a medal.
The 47-year-old, with horse Arko III, is thought to be Britain’s best hope for a medal since the team claimed silver at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
Advertisement
However, he will face a stern test, not least from his compatriot Smith, whose brother Steve was part of that 1984 team.
Smith, on Mr Springfield, had one jump down during his opening round, incurring four penalty points to leave himself in joint 19th place but still well within reach of the podium.