Tina Cook, Findon

Equestrian

"I was born into riding. It's virtually in my blood. But it doesn't feel like it. Every day is a different challenge. You've got to face and overcome those challenges yourself. That's what makes [riding] so exciting"

How did you get started?

Tina grew up in an equestrian family – her earliest memory is riding her brother's pony. Her father Josh Gifford was four times Champion Jockey. Her mother Althea Roger-Smith was a successful international show jumper who won the Queen Elizabeth Cup, came second in the Hickstead Derby and represented Great Britain in the Nations Cup. Tina, who was born in Rustington and now lives in the West Sussex village of Findon, started her riding career in the Horsham and Crawley Pony Clubs and has been eventing since she was 16. When she was 20 she won a Land Rover scholarship to be based at Gatcombe with Captain Mark Phillips. She will ride Miners Frolic at the 2012 Olympics, the same horse she rode to an individual bronze at Beijing.

Greatest achievements

2010 World Equestrian Games: Team Gold & 29th (Miners Frolic)

2009 European Championships: Team & Individual Gold (Miners Frolic)

2008 Olympic Games: Team & Individual Bronze (Miners Frolic)

1988 Junior team Gold and individual bronze, European Championships

Prospects for 2012

Team GB are the reigning world champions and Tina took individual Olympic bronze in 2008, so medals are a distinct prospect. However, Tina has had to overcome numerous difficulties in the lead up to London 2012, including separation from her husband Phil, the death of her father in February and a potentially life-threatening illness to her horse Miners Frolic. Tina will compete in Team and Individual Eventing 28 July- 31 July at Greenwich Park

http://www.london2012.com/equestrian/event/eventing-individual/index.html