Ex Kiwi clears hurdle

Showjumping

A marathon meeting between executives of equestrian’s governing body and the International Olympic Committee led to Australia’s two female showjumpers being free to compete as individuals at Tokyo. The disqualification of equestrian Jamie Kermond from the Australian showjumping team for a doping breach and the failure of the travelling reserve, Rowan Willis, to quarantine his horse on time, meant the team could not compete in Tokyo. It also threatened the possibility of the remaining riders securing individual slots. However, the Australian Olympic Committee confirmed yesterday that the two female riders, former New Zealand Olympian Katie Laurie and Edwina Tops-Alexander, can compete as individuals. Laurie (formerly McVean) rode for New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but has since switched her allegiance to Australia.