Tom McEwen
TOM MCEWEN is someone you’d want on your side in a crisis. Not that Britain’s eventing team ever had a moment’s worry as the trio sauntered to victory in Tokyo, but the nation’s 49-year wait for another Olympic team gold had built up some momentum. But while the fans go wild, such a colossal achievement looks unlikely to go to Tom’s head. Back home the day after bagging team gold and individual silver medals with the superstar Toledo De Kerser, the 30-year-old is quietly rather than effusively ecstatic.
He has enjoyed a party with his family and support team; he’s visited his parents, and – when we speak 48 hours after that brilliant performance – he had just arrived at his Gatcombe yard ready to ride out the next generation of potential Olympians.
“Luckily I have some young horses who’ll be out competing next week,” he says. “I do need that pressure.”
Tom’s ability to thrive when the chips are down is a massive asset in the hothouse of an Olympics. Britain’s team of
