Mark Todd selected for sixth Olympics

WELLINGTON, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Two-times equestrian gold medalist Mark Todd on Tuesday was selected in the New Zealand Olympic team for a record sixth time.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee said on Tuesday that Todd and fellow rider Andrew Nicholson will set a new New Zealand record when they compete at the Beijing Olympics.

Previously both men shared the record of competing at five Olympics with canoeist Ian Fergusson.

Todd was a gold medalist in Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988.

They will be joined by Joe Meyer, Caroline Powell and Heelan Tompkins in Hong Kong where the Olympic equestrian events will be held.

After eight years in retirement, Todd has completed a successful return to the elite level with inclusion this year and in Beijing he will join Nicholson as New Zealand's most capped Olympian.

The pair will be attending their sixth Olympic Games, surpassing canoeist Ian Ferguson's attendance at five Games.

New Zealand Olympic Committee Secretary General and selector, Barry Maister, said on Tuesday that the eventing announcement was particularly special.

"Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson are among our finest Olympians and to have athletes attending their sixth Games is testament to the depth of talent we have in New Zealand sport," he said, hours after the eventing team was leaked.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of all time, Todd, a gold medalist at Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul 1988, was delighted to get the seal of approval after a late bid for inclusion.