The first team to achieve medals for Australia in Equestrian events. Brian Crago’s horse had broken down at the end of the second day. Bill Roycroft had been concussed in the cross-country phase when Our Solo had fallen on him and he was airlifted to hospital in Rome. Australia had a chance of winning with three riders needing to compete. Brian Crago’s horse could not compete, so the following morning, and against Doctors orders, Bill Roycroft checked himself out of hospital. Heavily treated with painkillers, unable to bend or dress himself, Bill rode Our Solo to a faultless showjumping round to win the team Gold Medal.
Competition
Olympic Games, Rome
Captain
Laurence Morgan
Team Members: Brian Crago, Neale Lavis, Bill Roycroft