DELIGHTED Geoff Billington from Accrington has been called up to the Olympic four-strong showjumping team for Atlanta, writes BRIAN DOOGAN.

The 41-year-old, who has competed internationally in all the major showjumping tournaments, will be joined by John and Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton, all of whom rode in the last Games in Barcelona.

The Olympics is the sole event to have so far eluded Billington's fantastic career and he is delighted at last to be getting his chance.

"It's terrific to be looking forward to being involved in an Olympic Games and I can't wait," said Billington, who now lives in Cheshire.

"Although I've taken part in all the big showjumping events home and abroad, this has always been a goal.

"The team has plenty of experience - Nick, John and MIchael were in the last two British Olympic teams and Michael also went to the 1988 Games as reserve.

"So we are confident of doing well and hopefully I can do well in the individual competition as well."

Billington, on It's Otto, virtually guaranteed himself a place in the team with a faultless performance in last month's Hickstead Nations Cup win.

It's Otto was the only horse to jump a double clear and Billington is keen to improve on Britain's recent poor Olympic record, the team having returned from Seoul and Barcelona without a medal.

"I've been in showjumping since I left school and winning an Olympic medal would be the pinnacle of my career," he said.

"It's Otto is a wonderful horse and together I'm sure we can do well."

The team horses will be sent to Atlanta this weekend for the quarantine and acclimatisation period while Billington and his three team-mates fly out on July 17. Warm-up begins eight days later with the first round of the individual competition on July 29.

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