Queen's granddaughter nominated for UK Olympic team
Danica Kirka, Associated Press, London | Sports | Tue, June 12 2012, 7:49 AM
Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Zara Phillips has been nominated as part of the U.K.'s team for the London Olympics, the British Equestrian Federation said.
The 31-year-old won the coveted spot after a string of strong performances, particularly a third-place finish at Bramham last weekend on her horse, High Kingdom.
"It's awesome to be given this opportunity," Phillips said in a statement Monday. "I am really excited and can't wait to kick on and get him there."
Phillips will be following in the footsteps of her parents — Princess Anne and Capt. Mark Phillips — both of whom competed for Britain in the Olympics.
The nomination caps a long journey for Phillips, 14th in line to the throne. She won the World Championship in 2006, and was honored by the queen, becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Phillips was also chosen the BBC Sport Personality of the year.
She was selected to compete for the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Toytown, an exceptional horse which became injured just before the moment of glory dawned.
