Most people tailor their activity level to their age, each decade inviting a re-assessment of energy-levels, ability and ambition. But not Hiroshi Hoketsu. At 67, and 44 years after he finished in individual 40th place at the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Japanese horseman is going to give it another shot. Sure why not…..
There is a difference this time around however. Instead of show jumping, Hoketsu will be competing as a member of his country’s dressage team. A recent press release revealed that he will be taking part in “the less physically demanding events” but, as anyone who understands the fitness requirements of a dressage rider will tell you, this extraordinary man from Japan has had to endure a punishing training schedule to make the cut – and he has done it in style.
Due to the outbreak of equine influenza in Australia, the Asia-Pacific Olympic Dressage Team Qualifier was left in something of a hiatus but an alternative solution was agreed by which the three nations affected – Australia, Japan and New Zealand – would instead undergo assessment by a high-profile Ground Jury. Sydney was the venue for the Australians, Palmerston North for the New Zealanders and Les-Arcs-sur-Argens, near Cannes in France, was chosen for the Japanese contingent.