The British show jumping high jump record, established in 1978, remains held by Nick Skelton. At the Olympia venue, he cleared a height of 7 feet 7 inches while partnered with his horse, Lastic. This achievement serves as a hallmark of a career that spanned over four decades, culminating in Olympic gold medals at the ages of 54 and 58.
Early Career and Training
Born in Bedworth, Warwickshire, Skelton attended Bablake School in Coventry. He began riding at 18 months old. By age 14, he sought formal instruction from Ted and Liz Edgar, eventually leaving school without qualifications to work full-time at their stables. His competitive debut at the Junior European Championships in 1975 saw him secure an individual gold medal riding the horse O.K., after a substitute horse was required due to his primary mount, Maybe, becoming lame.
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Skelton became an integral member of the senior British show jumping team by the late 1970s. After leaving the Edgars in 1985, he teamed with the horse Apollo, securing numerous championship medals and top-tier prizes. His victory in the 1995 World Cup Final in Gothenburg, partnered with Dollar Girl, highlighted his versatility. Throughout his career, he competed on over 164 Nations Cup teams between 1978 and 2011.
Recovery and Olympic Success
A severe neck injury sustained in a 2000 fall forced a brief retirement in 2001. He returned to competition in 2002, partnering with Arko III to win the 2004 British Open title. His later career peaked during the 2012 London Olympics, where he won team gold with Big Star. At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, he secured individual gold, becoming the oldest British Olympic gold medallist since 1908. He retired on 5 April 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 30 December 1957, Bedworth
- Education: Bablake School, Coventry
- Retirement date: 5 April 2017
- Notable horse: Big Star
- Awards: CBE (2017), OBE (2012)
- British high jump record: 7 ft 7 in (1978)
Questions readers ask
Did Nick Skelton compete in multiple Olympic Games?
Yes, his final gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics marked his seventh appearance at the Olympic Games.
What honours did Skelton receive for his Olympic success?
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2017.
