Pearce primed for Olympic dream

Pearce, who grew up in Bamawm, was announced as part of Australia's equestrian team on June 25, and will compete in her first Olympic Games in Tokyo later this month.

The announcement follows on from the recent news that another Bamawm local, Col Pearse, was selected for the Australian swimming team for this year's Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

For Pearce, her presence in the Australian equestrian team is a big reward for years of hard work in the sport.

Debuting on black stallion Destano, which she co-owns, Pearce's selection completes a 10-year journey which saw her move to Europe in 2010 at just 18 years of age to further her dream.

Yesterday that dream was set in stone, with the full Australian Olympic team confirmed.

It sees 472 athletes selected to represent Australia in 33 sports, with Pearce one of 295 debutants at this year's games.

Currently training in Germany, Pearce will join the likes of fellow Australian riders Mary Hanna and Kelly Layne as part of a three-person dressage team.

While Pearce is the youngest member of the Australian equestrian team, Hanna herself will make history, becoming the oldest competitor at age 66 and the first woman to make six Olympics teams.

Pearce, who currently holds all three Australian Grand Prix records, has faced plenty of adversity on her quest to a maiden Olympics.

Returning from a potentially career-ending injury in 2018 which saw her break her collarbone and six ribs after a horse collapsed on her, the injury resulted in Pearce restarting much of her training.

However, she has since gone from strength to strength in recent years to announce herself as a prospective Olympian.

Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman congratulated Pearce and the rest of the equestrian team on their selections.

“What a fantastic piece of Olympic history this equestrian team will make in Tokyo,” Mr Chesterman said.

“Congratulations to all riders selected. Australians will be thrilled to watch our equestrian team in action in Tokyo and to see Australian Olympic history made.

“Thank you to the families, supporters, coaches, grooms and Equestrian Australia who have helped these six riders over decades to achieve their Olympic selection for Tokyo.”

Chesterman also paid tribute to each athlete on the Australian team after a long period of uncertainty leading up to the games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This has been extremely difficult for every athlete and each has their own individual story to tell,” he said.

“But they have made it. Through their determination and commitment, they are going to Tokyo.

“Even before these games are declared open on July 23, this Australian team has made its own history. They are a special team and Australians can be very proud of them.”

The 2021 Tokyo Olympics’ will open on July 23, with the equestrian competition to run from July 24 to August 7 at Tokyo’s Equestrian Park.