Olympic hopeful Joe Stockdale has said he is “proud” to be continuing his late father’s legacy at London’s international horse show at Olympia.
Tim Stockdale, who competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and died from stomach cancer aged 54 last November, regularly competed in London.
Over the past year his son Joe, 20, abandoned his pursuit of a career in cricket and instead has taken over his father’s show jumping business, based in Northamptonshire, with his mother.
The showjumper is now hoping to compete for Team GB at the Olympics.
He told the Standard: “I started riding a bit more when my dad couldn’t, and jumping a lot more horses to keep them going, and it was that period that I realised I could actually pursue this.
“I think my dad would have been proud... This is one of the biggest five star shows, so to be able to compete there myself is absolutely amazing.”
Olympia’s partner charity this year is The Tim Stockdale Foundation, which is introducing children from disadvantaged backgrounds to horse riding and equestrian career opportunities through the Olympia Riding Academy.
It was launched by his family after his death.
Joe added: “My dad was extremely passionate about young people and sport, and he knows how hard it is to make it as a sportsman, not only in riding but in all sports.”
Olympia Horse Show will run until Sunday December 22. Tickets at: https://olympia.seetickets.com/tour/olympia-the-london-international-horse-show
