It's day-after-day of excitement over the great performances we're seeing at the Olympics. Wednesday a woman from Wellington got her chance to compete. Allison Brock represents Team USA in the equestrian competition as part of the dressage team.
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“It's an incredible thing to be representing the U.S. in the Olympics,” said Allison by FaceTime.
Wednesday afternoon, I spoke with her after she and her stallion Roosevelt finished the first round of the dressage competition.
“I thought he handled the environment really well and I had one mistake and it was my fault and I'm really proud of him,” said Allison. “He was a good boy and it set the stage for the other Americans to go forward.”
Allison lives and trains in Wellington.
“I've been in Wellington the past 11 years and I love it there,” she said. “It's my home.”
Lisa Wilcox is a dressage trainer, who's trained with Allison. Lisa won a bronze medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
“I am more nervous for the riders riding than I am for myself competing,” said Lisa.
She said dressage takes commitment and a lot of passion to perform the delicate series of movements.
“It's intense, it's six days a week,” said Lisa. “It's getting up oh-dark hundred and going to bed oh-dark hundred because it's not just this one horse that you have as a professional.”
Fans back home are rooting for Allison.
“Allison, we cheer you on and wish everybody the best,” said Noreen O’Sullivan, the show manager for Wellington Classic Dressage and Gold Coast Dressage. "We're very happy to be able to be here and see you move up the levels. It's exciting for us. "
“I as well wish them the best of luck,” said Lisa.
Allison shared a little secret: what drives her to keep on going.
“The biggest thing is to stay in the moment and keep going,” explained Allison. “So, if i have some mistakes I don't get hung up on them and I’m already looking for the next movement.
Allison tied for seventh place. Despite the challenges, she says it's about staying in the moment.
Friday is the last day of the dressage competition.
