Sammi Birch will make her way to the Rio Olympics after receiving a late call up to join the Australian equestrian team as a reserve.
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The Maitland-bred Birch, nee McLeod, will be joined by her horse Hunter Valley II.
The World Equestrian Games representative replaces Bill Levett in eventing after his horse Alexander NJ sustained an injury that won’t recover in time for the Games, which start next week.
“Can't quite believe it,” Birch wrote on Facebook.
“Thank you so much for all your messages.
“Massive thank you to my family, incredibly hard working team and my #naughtygizmo.
“Am so gutted for Bill and Emily, there are no words to describe how hard this sport is at times.”
The announcement was made overnight Wednesday by Equestrian Australia and original travelling reserve Levett expressed his contrasting emotions.
“I’m disappointed not be travelling with the team as their reserve but I feel Sammi and her horse Hunter Valley II will be able to deliver a seriously good performance if called upon,” Levett said.
“I wish the team all the best and look forward to seeing them on the podium in Rio.”
Birch, who was also a reserve at the Athens Olympics 12 years ago, will join Upper Hunter dressage cousins Kristy and Lyndal Oatley on the national squad.
The Australian horses are set to depart England on Friday.
