It’s something that you work towards your whole life.
- Lisa Martin
FOR many athletes, representing their country at the Olympics has always been a dream.
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It is now a step closer to reality for Scone rider Lisa Martin after being nominated for a position on the national Paralympic team.
A spokeswoman from Equestrian Australia confirmed her nomination, saying they were just waiting on the Australian Paralympic Committee to make the official announcement.
“There’s generally a wait time between when athletes are advised they’ve been nominated and the actual announcement because of internal processes,” the spokeswoman said.
Martin performed strongly in the lead-up to the Olympics at prestigious events the Boneo CPEDI in Victoria and then the Sydney CDI last month.
For Australian-based hopefuls vying for selection, Sydney presented the final opportunity to obtain a qualifying score.
She said it was a real thrill to receive the news of her nomination.
“I think it was just relief that all the hard work and effort I’ve put in has paid off,” she told The Advocate.
“I’m excited but it hit me in a way like ‘oh my God’, this is really happening.
“It’s something that you work towards your whole life.
“It has been a dream of mine to represent my country; I think all riders who compete at dressage dream of doing it.”
After earlier being classed as a grade four rider based on her level of disability, Martin said she was able to take part in other events.
“I don’t have to compete in para only from now on,” she said.
“I can compete internationally at both para and the Grand Prix, which is an open, normal competition for able-bodied riders.”
After the completion of the Paralympics, Martin will head to Germany for training and spend the next few months travelling. The Paralympic Games will be held from September 7-18.
![SUCCESSFUL: Scone's Lisa Martin has been nominated for the Australian Paralympic Team and is expected to head to Rio. SUCCESSFUL: Scone's Lisa Martin has been nominated for the Australian Paralympic Team and is expected to head to Rio.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/4Q8wfvUYYerAhErgTbY7Y2/1209e674-5b71-4584-8c9a-47d315f49f29.JPG/r0_143_4288_2420_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)