Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star winner of the Gold medal as Individual Champion in the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
He came, he saw, he conquered the world. The story of Nick Skelton and Big Star winning Olympic gold in Rio is tailor made for any Hollywood film producer — there have been tremendous highs, devastating lows but above all, one horse who, against all odds, made it happen. Big Star — never has a horse been better named. He’s always been a star, but in Rio he became a legend. We pick out just 10 of the many, many reasons he captured our hearts.
1. He can defy gravity
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star, during the 1st Qualifier of the individual Show Jumping competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 14th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Big Star sprouts wings to clear the water jump — his nemesis on day two. The pair are airborne for long enough and high enough for Rio air traffic control to pick them up on radar.
2. He poses like a professional
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Phones out – it’s time for a photo opp. Big Star shows his best side and poses like a professional for his legion of fans.
3. No scope, no hope
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star winner of the Gold medal as Individual Champion in the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
“These Olympic fences are ridiculously small,” says Big Star, and clears them by an extra metre, just to prove his point.
4. He jumps for pure joy
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star during the 3rd Qualifier for the individual Competition and the final of the Team Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 17th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Ears pricked and knees neatly tucked, a slightly “rusty” Big Star improved with every round in Rio and he and Nick make the perfect picture over the triple bar.
5. He is faster than any racehorse
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Having cleared the final fence in the jump-off and with Olympic gold at stake, Nick and Big Star could easily be riding the finish at the Cheltenham Festival.
6. He can clear absolutely anything
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Blindingly bright Rio 2016-themed verticals, wavy planks that make your eyes go funny and oxers built like trains — it’s all in a day’s work for Big Star.
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7. We love his enthusiasm for the job
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
He neighs at the jumps before he even enters the arena and then he’s up and at ‘em — chomping at the bit, itching to go faster. All Big Star wants to do is win.
8. It’s like he’s never been away
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
It’s been over two years since we last saw Nick and Big Star jumping at the top level, and against the clock – this has been the comeback of all comebacks. But he couldn’t have timed it better.
9. One Olympic gold medal just wasn’t enough
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Only a horse of this stature could return, four years later, and produce a gold medal-winning performance for a second time.
10. We all want to give him a big hug
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
As Nick prepares to step up on the podium, his groom of 31 years, Mark Beever, embraces his beloved “Henry” with the biggest bear hug. We all want to give him one too. Thank you Big Star, you’ve made a nation very proud.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
