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Royal a contender for 2008 Games (Oct 1)
24-year-old granddaughter of the Queen, Zara Phillips, has established herself as a contender for selection to represent England at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after claiming two gold medals at the European eventing championships this month.
In her senior team debut, Phillps' was third after dressage and cross-country but a clear show jumping round secured her individual gold as the 2005 FEI European eventing champion and sealed the sixth consecutive team title for Britain.
When asked if she could emulate her mother's gold medal result at the 1971 European Championships in Burghley, Phillips' said she would rather “go one better” - which is exactly what she did by winning team gold on top of her individual title
“I never ever thought I would finish this competition as a double gold medalist, it was always a dream, but it is a fantastic feeling,” she said.
“It was such a privilege and honour to be on such a wonderful team.”
Although originally selected to ride individually at the championships, Phillips was called into the four-person squad after team rival Pippa Funnell's horse Primmore's Pride withdrew because of injury.
“Zara and (her horse) Toytown are in the team on merit. Their results speak for themselves,” Olympic champion, Leslie Law, told BBC Sport.
After missing out on a place in the last Olympic Games, Phillips' outstanding performance has boosted her chances at selection in the eventing team for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the London Olympics in 2012.
Phillips' mother, Princess Anne, represented Britain at the Montreal Games in 1976 and her father, Captain Mark Phillips, won team Gold in the equestrian event at the Munich Olympics in 1972.
By Katrina Putker

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