JESSICA Mendoza was a 16-year-old pony rider when Great Britain’s showjumpers struck Olympic gold at London 2012.
But this week in Germany, she will be part of a four-strong team tasked with securing qualification for the Rio Olympics on what is a make-or-break European Championships mission.
At 19, Mendoza is the youngest British showjumper selected to contest a senior championship since Debbie Johnsey went to the 1976 Montreal Olympics, having been chosen alongside London team gold medallist Ben Maher, European team gold medal winner Michael Whitaker and 2014 World Equestrian Games campaigner Joe Clee.
After a glittering age-group career — Mendoza’s medal collection includes European Juniors and European Ponies team gold — the English rider is undaunted about what lies ahead.
The equation is a simple one. Three Rio qualification places remain to be filled, and five countries — Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain — are the main contenders.
“I am really looking forward to this next challenge,” Mendoza said. “Things have been going really well for me this season, my horse Spirit T has performed amazingly and is on top form.”
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