British Olympic Eventing team changes

(BEIJING, July 2) -- British Olympic Eventing qualifier Lucy Wiegersma has decided to withdraw from the Summer Games because her horse Shaabrak has suffered an injury during training. Wiegersma is the second U.K. athlete to withdraw from the Olympics (the first being Zara Philips). The BOA (British Olympic Association) has approved riders Tina Cook and Daisy Dick to fill in the two vacant spots.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go to the Olympics. Now I have been given the chance, I want to give it everything we have. Pod (Spring Along) is an amazing campaigner; it's his 4th championship in a row. As a sportswoman it has always been my dream and will be amazing to represent my country on Pod," Daisy Dick told the BOA official website.

Will Connel, the British equestrian team leader, is disappointed that Wiegersma, who has made much effort to win a place on the team, will not be competing. He remains confident about the team's performance, saying, "The Team remains strong, capable and focused on winning medals in Hong Kong."