Olympic hero Nick to retire

BEDWORTH boy Nick Skelton is set to hang up his reins next month after winning gold in Rio last year.

The 59-year-old showjumper and his horse Big Star will formally retire from the sport at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 14.

Skelton, who now lives in Alcester, is considered to be one of the country’s most experienced horsemen helped secure gold for Team GB in the past two Olympic games.

The legendary athlete began riding at 18 months old - from there his career spanned more than 40 years and saw him secure 20 championship medals.

Skelton was credited with one of the greatest comebacks of all time after a fall in 2000 left him with serious injuries, including a broken neck.

He defied odds to recover and made a courageous decision to start competing again. Skel- ton’s story captured the hearts of those who witnessed his victory at the Olympics, with the tearjerking gold medal podium moment voted one of the highlights of the Games.

Following his 2016 win, he told the press: ”I always knew in the back of my mind that I could do it. He is an absolutely amazing horse.

“You can trust him, he wants to do it and he has all the right attributes. For me he’s the best horse I’ve had and will ever have.

“I’m not going to stop now. I only ride Big Star and I’ve ridden him all year. When he stops, I’ll stop for definite.”

The British public showed their support and respect for Skelton’s achievement by voting for him to take third place in the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Big Star, owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson, has been partnered by Skelton since he was bought as a fiveyear-old.

Now 14, the stallion will be officially retired in the Castle Arena in front of HM The Queen.

Simon BrooksWard, show director, said of the decision: “Nick Skelton is not only a legend of equestrian sport but of the whole sporting world.

“What he has achieved in his career is remarkable and we are honoured he has chosen Royal Windsor Horse Show as the place to officially retire along with Big Star.”

Skelton added: “We would love the opportunity to share this moment with my fellow riders and the loyal British public who have shown Big Star and I so much support over the years.”