SASCOC update on Games equestrian selection
July 23rd, 2012 | Published in Media Releases | 149 Comments
South Africa’s Olympic governing body SASCOC await the SA Equestrian Federation’s final decision on the selection issues over the allocated eventing spot at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Two eventers – Alex Peternell and Paul Hart – met the qualifying standards. But the Federation submitted Hart’s name as the nominated competitor.
Peternell then took the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) who ruled that he was the better qualified individual with eligibility for selection.
SASCOC then referred the matter back to the Federation to review their nomination as per CAS decision of Saturday, 21 July 2012.
“The Federation maintain that in their opinion Paul Hart is the correct choice and therefore have not seen their way clear to submit a nomination for Alex Peternell,” said SASCOC Chief Exeutive Officer Tubby Reddy on Monday night.
‘Given this scenario and in keeping with Article 6.3.3 from SASCOC’s Articles of Association, the SASCOC Board has decided that we will not utilise the one slot available to the eventing discipline at the Olympic Games. The Board therefore maintains that the sport of Equestrian will not have any representation at the Olympic Games.’
“The Board is fully aware that A Peternell may go back to CAS for an urgent hearing and we are prepared to defend our case, while noting that CAS’s ruling on the new appeal may have to be adhered to by ourselves.”
July 24th, 2012 at 2:56 am (#)
I simply cannot believe and understand why the committee does not stand by their decision and send Paul Hart. Are we saying that we would rather not have anyone representing our nation? Why is he being penalised because of all this. SASCOC should man up, stand by their decision and let him get out there and fly the flag for South Africa.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:18 am (#)
Yes i also cannot understand why Paul Hart gets penalized due to a SASCOC mistake,fault,over sight,how can we give up the once in a life time chance for Paul to ride,fly our flag for South Africa?Give up this slot?Also what of the financial loss,damage to Paul,emotionally scared beyond repair,he is devastated due to this guys selfish decision !Paul has a invitation from you SASCOC stand by him,let him ride please?
July 24th, 2012 at 4:04 am (#)
What a shame! Paul stood a good chance to bring home a medal, him and his horse a proven combination, its an absolute disgrace…… LET HIM RIDE!!!!!!!!!! No wonder all our athletes leave our country and compete abroad no support is given from our sport representatives! Absolute disgrace!
July 24th, 2012 at 4:58 am (#)
This is a pathetic cop-out. I am disgusted and ashamed of you SASCOC – Paul and Harry will never have this chance again and you have stolen joy from us all. This has been a four year journey and we have all supported them, helped raise funds and watched them achieve the impossible. You have killed our dream and we can never forgive you for this. We are all trying our best to develop the sport and now I see there is no point – even if a South African Equestrian achieves the impossible, they will still have their dreams dashed by YOU!
July 24th, 2012 at 5:26 am (#)
The best person should have been selected from the start of all this – the equestrian selectors are to blame – sascoc take there advice on who to select – makes equestrian sport look like a bunch of idiots
July 24th, 2012 at 5:31 am (#)
I’m an expat South African living in the UK, and looking forward (of course!) to the Olympics. What I’ve read here today DEFIES BELIEF. It’s no wonder athletes are leaving South Africa in droves if this is how they get treated. The Eventing Team “GB” here, have been giving the most incredible support (lottery funded), extensive media coverage, and even if you are not an equestrian sport follower, you know the athletes names and faces. Not just the team, but the top twenty riders. Such is the nature of the support of their athletes here in GB. Of course I would have loved to cheer a South African on at the Olympics, and especially in the Eventing, but to see this happen? Disgusted.
July 24th, 2012 at 5:45 am (#)
Can someone tell us how we as south africans can turn this around…….can we as equestrians file an appeal to this decision? People like paul, lay the bricks for future equestrian atheltes to stay in sa and compete in such prestiege events. We have lost plenty of world class athletes to abroad countries because of this, some that could have easily brought the gold back! How can we turn this around…….. Give a solution, cause u guys messed it up!
July 24th, 2012 at 5:47 am (#)
PLease review this decision…. please dont dash our hopes and dreams of seeing a SOUTH AFRICAN RIDER on a SOUTH AFRICAN HORSE compete in the OLYMPICS……. PLEASE dont take this opportunity away from US as a country………… I beg you to reconsider this…..if there is ANY POSSIBLE WAY….. can you please find it…………..
July 24th, 2012 at 6:09 am (#)
This is a disgrace! Alex Peternell needs to have a little grace and accept that Paul was chosen ahead of him, so much for the spirit of the olympics and true sportmanship! Sascocc have some balls! Stick to your decision and let Paul Hart Ride!!!!!!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:17 am (#)
I think you should all read properly:
“The Federation maintain that in their opinion Paul Hart is the correct choice”
SASCOC wants Paul Hart, most likey for the reasons you all state. A true South African with a South African horse deserves a chance to represent us above anyone else. It is CAS that says no and will not allow SASCOC to follow through on their decision. And SASCOC rather that take Peternell has defied CAS as best as they can by deciding to take NOBODY!
The organisations involved here are forced to stick to the rules laid out to them by “higher” officials. But what trix says is right – We need to be told what WE can do. Petitions, appeals, something!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:20 am (#)
I agrEe, what can we do, we are a strong community of thousands of south africans, let the country decide, this is a democracy after all! What must we do! Paul Hart for olympics!!!!!!!!!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:20 am (#)
I agrEe, what can we do, we are a strong community of thousands of south africans, let the country decide, this is a democracy after all! What must we do! Paul Hart for olympics
July 24th, 2012 at 6:34 am (#)
Paul Hart has ridden and competed in South Africa and has supported and encouraged the sport here, in this country. Harry is a South African bred horse… How can they be deprived of this? Am devastated by the decision… I thought we were a nation who had learnt to do the right thing.
July 24th, 2012 at 6:40 am (#)
As a small sponsor of Paul, I am disgusted at the way in which he has been treated. He puts so much back into the sport. I am shocked at sascoc’s decision. I cannot believe that they cannot see the error of A. Peternell’s actions, they were underhanded and very unsportsmanlike.
I am behind Paul 100% and will lobby to get him to participate!!
July 24th, 2012 at 7:01 am (#)
A few things:
SAEF cocked it up with their selection criteria – they left no room for judgement in selection, allowing selection based purely on rider-rankings, leaving themselves no leeway in situations like this. I don’t know if there is any IOC/SASCOC guidance that would force this policy on them, but frankly with SAEF’s selection criteria there is no need for a selector at all, let alone a panel…
Secondly, imo Alex should be ashamed of himself for this… it’s understandable that he would desperately want to compete, but on a recently qualified horse with limited experience, a sportsman in the Olympic tradition would accept the selectors’ reasoning and decision.
Lastly, however much support there is, following the CAS judgement, the choice is Alex or nothing…
July 24th, 2012 at 7:02 am (#)
Is this not about true representation of South Africa? Paul is a true South African not reaping the cream from another country but living here in SA and been patriotic.Alex on the on the hand wants his cake and eat it!Let Paul ride as a true SA sportsman that carries the interest of SA at heart.As for Alex I suggest you conduct your courses else where in future as you are likely to go hungry here.
July 24th, 2012 at 7:10 am (#)
What does Article 6.3.3 of SASCOC’s Articles of Association say?
July 24th, 2012 at 7:26 am (#)
Bianca says:
July 24th, 2012 at 6:17 am (#)
I think you should all read properly:
“The Federation maintain that in their opinion Paul Hart is the correct choice”
SASCOC wants Paul Hart, most likey for the reasons you all state. A true South African with a South African horse deserves a chance to represent us above anyone else. It is CAS that says no and will not allow SASCOC to follow through on their decision. And SASCOC rather that take Peternell has defied CAS as best as they can by deciding to take NOBODY!
You’ve hit the nail spot on here !
If there is no way that Paul can ride then AP must not get his way. In fact he should go and do a bit of soul searching.
I am not a part of the horse fraternity and have no allegiance to either party involved here. I have followed this story with interest and am seeing the situation as a complete outsider to this particular sport.
July 24th, 2012 at 8:25 am (#)
The decision was made in good faith – the horse that Alex qualified on and got to a higher ranking than Paul is lame it is unable to compete. Eventing is about a partnership – Alex’s appeal has been done through a loophole that needs to be fixed – he has no right to compete in this Olympics, Paul and Heartbreak Hill are South Africa’s next best qualified combination they and South Africa deserve the chance.
July 24th, 2012 at 8:32 am (#)
What a disaster SASCOC to have your name attached to such a mistake…. you send this man to London where he has met all the standards, interviewing him, publishing his name on the official Olympic list. He has qualified earned his South African colours, has a love and passion for the Sport and now has the chance to make his lIFE long dream come true. All the years he has put in and also giving future South African’s hope at one day being apart of an Olympic Equestrian team, and Paul is the first Equestrian rider to do this in years and giving future riders a chance to do the same just to…… days before the start of the games annouce that he will not be riding!!!!! How does your system work???? Do you go out and shatter a man’s dream,(LIFE) hours of riding, financial expenses incurred and just brush it of as a learning curve??? Mistake???
Who did not do their homework??? It is not OK to do this to your Country and to Paul’s life……
We are a rainbow nation how can you do this to one of OUR SOUTH AFRICAN CITICENS??
July 24th, 2012 at 8:57 am (#)
YOU ARE ALL A BUNCH OF NIMRODS!!!!
Stick to your decisions for goodness sake and SEND PAUL!!! THE MAN deserves it!!!!!
Don’t let SA look stupid YET again because of stupid mistakes YOU made!
YOU DESTROYING EVERYTHING MR MANDELA TRIED TO BUILD FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY!!!!
July 24th, 2012 at 9:11 am (#)
What has happened at the Olympic 2012 Eventing is inexcuseable. Alex Peternell’s claim is based on a loophole without any true competitive validity. His horse went unsound. He then got a temporary horse, did four shows, withdrew from two classes, had one stop and one round. At selection he did not have the required points. The dates were then realigned, in itself inappropriate for a requirement. Paul Hart and Heartbreak Hill were selected by SAEF/SASCOC, approved and completed all that was asked of them. In return they are now not permitted to compete. There is no sporting spirit nor decency in this decision. I would respectfully ask SEAF/SASCOC and the IOC to re-convenee and allow this nominated partnership to compete. This country has to and must retain some sporting dignity.
July 24th, 2012 at 9:17 am (#)
I cannot imagine Alex Peternell has any supporters in the global eventing world. His actions were malicious and underhanded. He did not follow proper protocol but literally ambushed Paul last week. He knows he cannot successfully represent South Africa without his top event horse. This decision was all about his ego.
I cannot imagine Alex Peternell will be running any more eventing clinics in South Africa. The entire riding fraternity despises him for his despicable actions.
July 24th, 2012 at 9:25 am (#)
I think that Paul and his steed Heartbreak Hill earned their spot fair and square. The slot for the eventing discipline should be filled and the SASCOC should stick with their original selection of Paul Hart.
July 24th, 2012 at 9:32 am (#)
All this anger… We should be trying to assist Paul from a positive place of support not from the depths of angry despair. By behaving in this way we’re only behaving like the decision makers are – Perhaps we’re all judging Alex with our hearts and not enough consideration – the drive to ride for your country, for any country in the Olympics is a huge one. I’m sure all of you would be supporting him as a ‘non-South African’ wanting the best of both worlds if he was the only candidate. Come on people, this is not the way to help Paul and Harry… nothing ever came of negetive attack!
The people who choose to ride overseas do it not to get away from being a South African. They do it because that’s where the true forum of International competition is.
Let’s think this through and help in a mature way! If this can’t be solved for 2012, at least many lessons have been learned for the future. I’m incredibly sad for Paul as he has indeed sacrificed much… Vasbyt!
July 24th, 2012 at 9:39 am (#)
Think we need to take the riders out of this and focus on how the heck our equestrian governing body managed to create this situation; time for new clean blood at the top of our sport??
July 24th, 2012 at 9:47 am (#)
What the article fails to mention is that Alex is ranked 164th in the world and Paul is only number 442. The logical and sensible choice is to send Alex. Why are they so eager to send Paul if he clearly can’t even compete properly in his own country?
July 24th, 2012 at 9:50 am (#)
What a SASCOC UP
July 24th, 2012 at 9:55 am (#)
@ Trix
Paul Hart a medal contender? Really? You shouldn’t believe everything you read! Neither Paul nor Alex are Medal contenders (on current horses – Alex slight chance on his top horse (currently unsound, and not in line to go))
Both Alex and Paul’s scores at 3* on these horses are roughly the same (give or take) if either of them posted their best ever score they would still finish on more than double the winners score! A top 50% finish by either of these combinations would be AMAZING. Not good, AMAZING – like discovery of life on Mars amazing.This is not to say that both of these athletes aren’t brilliant, they are, but have a quick reality check!
Paul’s best ever 3* score is 81.2, Alex (on Asih) is 81.8 (On his top horse it is 52.3). If you are generous and pretend that that is their score at the last Olympics (Olympics has an extra round of SJ, a more difficult DR, bigger obstacles a touch more pressure, and the standard at this years Olympics expected to be MUCH higher) they would have placed 29th. Not exactly medalling!
If you look at Paul’s international results (I’m picking on Paul because he seems to represent that he is very succesful overseas!)he has never finished in the top 50% of a competition when not competing in SA. And if you look at his 3* results overseas he has been eliminated or finished with more than 100 penalties (much the same) 4 out of his 6 competitions.
Before you start whinging, this is not a subjective discussion, search his results on the FEI website! If this suprises you perhaps you may want to reevaluate the man who calls himself a legitimate medal contender!
To detour back to the original issue – it doesn’t seem the seletors are at fault. They were asked to pick their best candidate – they chose Paul, bias or whatever (I have full faith in them) they still chose Paul. What Alex was arguing isn’t that they should have chosen him (though doubtless he is sure they should have), but that they shouldn’t have done any choosing. The SA selection policy doesn’t allow for choosing, the highest ranked RIDER goes.
It’s a sh*t policy, everybody knows its a sh*t policy, but it is the policy. And that is what matters.
I do hope i have someone to cheer at when all this dust settles!
July 24th, 2012 at 10:33 am (#)
The selection criteria set by SAEA were very simple:
The SAEF Criteria
“The Selectors are all in agreement with the following:
If RSA have the highest place Group F competitor in the FEI Olympic Riders Ranking
we therefore become qualified to enter one individual and the selection process set out
below would be followed:
1. The competitor placed highest in the FEI Olympic Riders Ranking
2. If 1 above is not available, then the next highest qualified competitor and so on.
3. The Selectors to decide how far down the qualified list they will go.
4. All of the above is subject to acceptance by SASCOC of our entry into the RSA Olympic squad.”
As were the FEI selection Criteria:
The FEI Criteria
“Article 623 – ATHLETES AND HORSES MINIMUM ELIGIBLITY STANDARDEVENTING
All Athletes/Horses who take part in the 2012 Olympic Games Eventing Competitions
must achieve the following minimum eligibility standard as a combination by
obtaining “FEI qualifying results” in the following level of competition:
(i) 1 qualifying result at a CCI 4*, or
(ii) 1 qualifying result in a CCI 3* AND 1 qualifying result at a CIC 3*
An FEI qualifying result is achieved by completing the above competitions within the
minimum parameters of an all-round performance, with;
(i) not less than 50% Dressage good marks (no more than 75 penalty points);
(ii) 20 jumping (at CCI and clear (0) at CIC) Penalties on Cross Country Obstacles,
not more than 90 seconds over the optimum Cross Country phase time. At 4* Events,
the maximum time by which the optimum may be exceeded is 120 seconds;
(iii) not more than 16 jumping penalties on Show Jumping.
Athletes and Horses may obtain the minimum eligibility standard at Eventing Events
at the specified level which take place between 1 January 2011 and 17 June 2012.”
By those criteria the only valid choice was Alex, regardless of how the selectors felt, or who is the strongest team.
July 24th, 2012 at 10:46 am (#)
As with all equestrian sports, the human athlete is not the only consideration!! A ranking for a rider is one thing but without the horse that helped them achieve that ranking where do they then stand?
I think that the policy that allowed for the loopholes is a disgrace and I think that at this late stage (4 days from competition)SASCOC should behave in the spirit of the Olympics and allow the selected rider to compete for his country.
July 24th, 2012 at 11:02 am (#)
Cath, it makes no difference in this case as they are supposed to select according to their own and the FEI criteria.
That being the top rider according to the FEI rankings (per the SAEF selection criteria)on any qualified horse (per the FEI qualification criteria).
And if there is going to be an SA rider it has to be Alex according to the ruling of the CAS.
July 24th, 2012 at 11:10 am (#)
If those are the rules they are the rules and that is it. Alex is the highest qualified rider. I feel terribly sorry for them both.
And agree with Emma if Paul is going around saying he is a medal contender he is lying and he knows it. Both Alex and Paul will get great experience not medals. Let’s be realistic.
I heard that the selectors “date”was pulled forward and that on the correct date Alex was qualified on a sound horse. Is that true?
July 24th, 2012 at 11:33 am (#)
Now we’re on the right track… emotions aside… well done to the brave!
July 24th, 2012 at 11:36 am (#)
This is the part that is the show case of comptency of The Repuplic of South Africa.Paul Hart was picked to ride for the South African Olimpic team by the Associations and the Olimpic Comitee that were picked and rubber stamped by our Goverment .After you tell a man that he is in the Olimpic Team you tell him that sorry you cant represent your Country no more due to Alex trying to ride for the South African team.Alex has been living in the UK for 16 years with dual citizenship after he could not ride for the England squad he went for secound best ,the South African Olmpic squad, what a patraiot you are Alex!! Do the Assocations and Olimpic Committee know what damdge this must do to the person and to our wonderful country.This was our show case for South Africa which I think the press has kinda taken care of that for us.Paul Hart lived in South Africa and travelled at the cost of his sponsors, his family and himself and had to support himself financialy to travel and compete overses to qualify for South Africa.THE QUESTION I ASK WHO IS GOING TO REIMBURSE PAUL HART FOR ALL HIS EXPENSES AND THE LOSS OF INCOME IN HIS BUSINESS AND THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE WHILE FLYING THE FLAG OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFICA HIGH
July 24th, 2012 at 11:49 am (#)
This is not about Alex and where he lives this is about the rules.
If we want to be part of the FEI we need to agree and bide by their rules not make them up as we go along.
If Paul and Alex’s roles were reversed I am pretty sure Paul would have done the same thing, and rightly so, we need to be fair and abide by the rules.
SAEF still are not abiding it seems as they refuse to put Alex’s name forward.
July 24th, 2012 at 11:59 am (#)
Julius, the only reason why SA got a sport is because Alex, as a rider for SA, was the highest ranked rider in the Group F division. Were it not for him riding for SA in Europe we would not have received a spot. Something he has worked towards which is WHY he left SA 12 years ago.
And they told Alex on 23May that they had moved the closing date for qualifying his horse forward from the 17th of June to the 25th of May. A bit unjust to say the least. And who is going to re-imburse Alex for all his costs over the last 12 years, especially as it was mainly due to his riding as a South African in europe that got us our place in the Olymics in the first place.
July 24th, 2012 at 12:28 pm (#)
This is disgrace! Let Paul ride and fly our SA flag high. I will be at Greenwhich Park cheering him on all the way. I can’t imagine how stressful this is for him at the moment and really hope it doesn’t affect his performance! Man up mistake makers, you are robbing Paul of his dreams!
July 24th, 2012 at 12:41 pm (#)
Please revue, re-convene and permit our representative to go to the Games. Paul Hart is the selected representative for SA to the Games and not an unknown who is NOT known. The tragedy of this is truly beyond paperwork. It has to do with the dignity, responsibility and future of our discipline and not opportunistic participation of our sport.
July 24th, 2012 at 12:50 pm (#)
Susan, are you sure of your facts about the highest ranked rider? I think you may want to ask Mandy Mason, Martyn Swanepoel and Linda Squair that question as I believe they all had more points, or check the FEI website?
July 24th, 2012 at 12:51 pm (#)
Susan the rolls are not reversed and your friend has been making money while his has been living in the UK (did not know a person could live on no money for 12 years
July 24th, 2012 at 12:52 pm (#)
SASCOC – Stick to your guns. Put your selected combination in. That officailly selected combination is Paul Hart and Heartbreak Hill
July 24th, 2012 at 1:01 pm (#)
Alex’s loyalty only goes as far as the flag on his jacket. He refused to teach the Soweto riding academy kids for nothing on his first two trips back to “his country” saying, “why would I teach those people for free, they are the ones ruining everything here. I am jsu so pleased I dont live here anymore” Very Gracious and really something that we all would look up to in a South African Ambassador?? ……NOT!!!!
July 24th, 2012 at 1:06 pm (#)
@Daniel I also heard something similar to that. He was asked to ‘sponsor’ a lesson for the GHS junior eventing team which I might add Paul does every year FOR FREE. He would only give them a 10% discount and said he was here to make many and not for charity….mmmmm not very proudly South African conduct methinks.
July 24th, 2012 at 1:07 pm (#)
As an outsider following this story I feel desperately sorry for Paul, he has given up everything in SA to compete in the Olympics, he is a South African, with a South African horse, he didn’t ask to go to the Olympics he was selected fair and square. At the time of selection Alex’s horse was lame, it is a partnership, you can’t keep changing horses so that you can go to the Olympics.
I don’t think Paul would have contested a ruling if Alex had been chosen, he would have accepted fair and square. It seems that Alex has some high powered lawyers who found a loop hole and he won his case and SASCOC are now standing by Paul & Harry and saying if they can’t compete then no one will compete.
As for Paul going around saying he was going to win a medal – in any sport the unlikely can happen but doubt very much Paul said that.
Alex I hope that what I read “because you did not make the GB Team, that is why you went to the CAS” I hope it is not true, because if that is the case, shame on you !
July 24th, 2012 at 1:09 pm (#)
I do stand corrected. Went and checked.
Mandy no 1 SA ranked rider (No 142 by FEI with 122 points), Alex no 2 SA ranked rider (no 243 by FEI with 85 points), Paul ranked no 29 SA rider (no1587 by FEI with 4 points).
https://data.fei.org/Ranking/Search.aspx?rankingCode=C_WR
July 24th, 2012 at 1:16 pm (#)
@ Julius. I do not know Alex, all I know about him is from people who have been on one of his many clinics. I do know Paul and have been rooting for him all along. He is a local, has a local horse, and is just such a good ambassador for all that we feel is South African. But the rules we not applied in his selection. In the interest of ALL SA sport the selection need to be fair and just and done according to the criteria SET BY the governing body of that sport (in this case SAEA). We cannot keep crying fould about the injustices here if we allow the rules to be broken just because we like Paul. Then we can just send the nicest person to represent us, and why would any of us compete when the selection process is not followed.
@Glynis, If Alex had been trying to make the GB team he would have been riding for GB and not for and as a South African. He would not be ranked by FEI as a representative of SA but rather as a representative of GBP.
July 24th, 2012 at 1:21 pm (#)
I have just done some research on this
Paul took 3 years to qualify on Harry and is ranked 462 in the world
Alex lost his horse and then qualified another horse within 6 months (that’s a serious achievement) and is in the top 200 in the FEI rankings
The reason we got a spot is because of Alex – sorry Paul but surely you knew this
In every single photo I have found of Alex he is competing numnah with a SA flag proudly displayed on it
The fault is with our selectors – now do the right thing and put the best man forward
July 24th, 2012 at 1:25 pm (#)
Last laugh will be with Alex – he has the best lawyers in the world on his side
July 24th, 2012 at 1:30 pm (#)
I wholeheartedly support Paul Hart as the selected and confirmed South African individual competitor for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
For heavens sake can someone make the only sane and rational decision, get the FEI involved, call up Princess Haya or Boris Johnson or Jacob Zuma or whoever it takes to get the job done, and get the guy to the Games!! This is shameful and a low point in our history of sports participation at international level.
I believe this was the combination that was selected at the time and our governing bodies have repeatedly stood by their choice. It is only the actions of a single person with sour grapes that stands between us achieving this milestone.
I do believe that if Paul Hart cannot go, then the decision to send no one is the right one as the other person has not conducted themselves with honour to reflect well on or represent us as South Africans.
SASCOC, SAEA and the PTB, PLEASE rectify this appalling situation and find a way to get Paul to the Games!
July 24th, 2012 at 1:32 pm (#)
CAS should respect South Africa’s selection criteria!! Peternell’s horse qualified well after the closing date, therefore HE IS NOT ELIGIBLE!! I am absolutely shocked and saddened by the lack of understanding and compassion.
July 24th, 2012 at 1:39 pm (#)
At my son’s school, the whole school block is decorated with Olympic posters and themes. The Grade 1s have chosen Paul and Harry as their favourites for the Games. The classroom walls are covered with pictures and facts about the two of them and bearing pride of place is a big picture of the two of them titled “PAUL HART AND HEARTBREAK HILL – OUR OLYMPIC HEROES”. If 6 year olds get how important, wonderful and heroic this combinations expolits are, then they can teach quite a few people a thing or two about the magic of life and what sport can achieve!!
July 24th, 2012 at 1:42 pm (#)
a South African horse and a South African rider, homegrown, many wannabe contenders have bought going horses in Europe and UK to compete, here we have genuine articles. Let them compete, where is the spirit of the Olympic Games!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
July 24th, 2012 at 1:44 pm (#)
I cannot believe the tragedy of this entire situation. I was SO very proud to hear a south african on a SOUTH AFRICAN horse had qualified and could not wait for the Olympics to start to support Paul and Heartbreak Hill.
I believe this is officially the lowest point for our sport in history and cannot understand how not picking either of the combinations can be considered as a “solution”… feels a heck of alot more like a cop-out to me…
July 24th, 2012 at 1:46 pm (#)
I had little respect for Alex before this and in light of his refusal to teach the Soweto kids on his last trip back to SA and the racist comments he made, will now never have any respect for him at all. What a tosser!!!!
July 24th, 2012 at 1:52 pm (#)
Paul and Harry deserve a chance!!! They BOTH have a right to fly the South African Flag! I have no respect for Alex!! How selfish!!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:02 pm (#)
Come on Sascoc let your original combination of Paul and harry ride!! We’er all behind them!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:03 pm (#)
Come on Sascoc let your original combination of Paul and harry ride. We’er all behind them
July 24th, 2012 at 2:12 pm (#)
I think we all need to focus on how we can rectify this situation. The CAS has upheld Mr Peternell’s appeal. How can one get them to overturn their original decision?
I know that one can not turn back time, but perhaps if Mr Peternell, realising that he is being painted as a villain, and in an attempt to regain his tarnished reputation, appeals to the CAS to let Mr Hart ride (effectively withdrawing his appeal and removing himself from contention) then this might be a start. I am not a law man and have no idea whether this will work, or if it is legal, but surely it is worth a try. Put the ball back in Mr Peternells court. Stop vilifying the man for having his own olympic dream, but appeal to his sense of humanity and olympic spirit. If he does this, back him and praise him and invite him back into the fold.
Let us all appeal to the CAS to make an exception (in true olympic spirit, a celebration of humanity after all) to at least ask Mr Peternell if, in light of what has transpired, he will consider stepping aside. Mr Peternell is obviously a great equestrian and will have many more opportunities to compete at this level, as will Mr Hart albeit not on his great SA bred Heartbreak Hill (the irony of his name does not escape me)
Mr Peternell, if you are reading, I salute you for your courage, but implore you to now step aside and let SA’s golden combination take this one and only chance. Please revoke or at least try to revoke your appeal. We as a nation will forever be indebted and will give you all the support you deserve in the future. Please try and make this right.
If, at the end of the day this is not an option, I appeal to the Olympic committee to let Mr Hart ride, even as a non competitive competitor. I do not think I am alone when I say that Paul and Harry do not really have a realistic chance of a medal, but it would be great to see them riding around. Use it as an advert for olympic spirit and turn it to your advantage. Just let them have a ride around and prove to the world what we can do….God knows they have travelled far and worked harder than anyone else to be there….whats 12 minutes of galloping time in the greater scheme when compared to what they have sacrificed to be there. Give them that at least!
South Africa implores those who can make a difference to do so. Darkness will pervade if the good sit idly by and let it happen!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:13 pm (#)
Paul and Harry are true ambassadors for South Africa, and deserve the opportunity to make us proud!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:17 pm (#)
Bob, actually I think you may find that Alex and Paul both completed their FEI qualification criteria for 2012 on Uprising and Heartbreak Hill at the same event i.e. Bramham in May/June 2011. Paul of course you may remember qualified for WEG2010 (virtually the same qualification) way back in December 2009!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:25 pm (#)
I am so disappointed in SASCOC! Stick to the original decision and let Paul Ride. He has worked so hard and has so many people supporting him. It’s not his fault there was a stuff up and he has earned his right to represent South Africa, it is cruel to take this opportunity away from him
July 24th, 2012 at 2:28 pm (#)
We are all behind you Paul!!!! All the hard work and excitement and now all this doubt… We hope and pray and trust that the right decision will be made and that is to stick to their original decision: QUALIFIED and COMPETE at the Olympic Games
July 24th, 2012 at 2:30 pm (#)
Let Paul and Harry ride. In the spirit of the games. Both competitors qualified but one at a later point. Paul was clearly selected with Alex as reserve and they should be present at the games in that capacity. To ruin both Olympic dreams would be a terrible shame. Both can continue to compete at a top level but the amount of money, effort and preparation which goes into a competition of this sort, can never be recouped.
July 24th, 2012 at 2:32 pm (#)
good comment Aidan!!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:35 pm (#)
Paul & Harry must ride for South Africa
July 24th, 2012 at 2:36 pm (#)
Paul and Heartbreak Hill must ride for South Africa. Its what we want
July 24th, 2012 at 2:36 pm (#)
@ Jassy once again you have it wrong in fact Alex has a standing arrangement with Enos that he teaches there everytime he comes. He just hasnt gone around boasting about it. So really is the inaccurate mudslinging necessary and I ask you with tears in my eyes would your post not be more suited to news24 comment section, where the race card is pulled at every oppurtunity. It is that very mentality that keeps this country in the dark ages. Maybe you hail from Limpopo and it must be all Verwoed’s fault.
July 24th, 2012 at 2:37 pm (#)
Please let Paul Hart & Harry ride in the Olympics
July 24th, 2012 at 2:39 pm (#)
Mr Tubby Reddy . . . this is your chance to do something incredible for South African equestrian sport. Please show us your leadership and take a stand, stand by your nominated and selected, qualified and confirmed athlete Paul Hart and please don’t allow the legal machinations of a slick expensive team to impede the sovereignty of your decisions. As you can see, this is an issue that is incredibly important to so many people. Please stand firm and send Paul and Harry to the Olympics.
July 24th, 2012 at 2:41 pm (#)
Paul Hart and Heartbreak Hill are already in London. It’s a phenomenal opportunity and it would not be fair for SASCOC to go back on their decision at this late time! Let them ride! It’s SA’s only chance to have a representative at the equestrian Olympics AND they really have a chance of bringing home a medal!
How long has it been since a SA rider represented SA at the Olympics and on a locally bred horse!
Let him ride!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:41 pm (#)
Well said, Aidan. Paul Hart is South Africa’s choice. Please let him realise his life long dream. He will make South Africa proud!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:43 pm (#)
Please let Paul and Harry go! They deserve it and will be wonderful ambassadors for South Africa. Paul has held his head high through all this and not said a single word in anger.
July 24th, 2012 at 2:51 pm (#)
Paul deserves to ride for his country because he has put his heart, his soul and his entire livelihood into this endeavor. He and Harry are an amazing team and will do us proud as they have always done in the past. I sympathies with Alex Peternell for his shattered dreams but the Bette man for the occasion was chosen in the first place and that decision should stand.
July 24th, 2012 at 2:55 pm (#)
@Charles, in that case I apologise. I am glad to hear it but you should then please be directing your criticism towards the original poster at 1 pm as well as the subsequent poster who posted the comment about the juniors. It would be good for everyone to know the correct facts on both of these.
July 24th, 2012 at 2:55 pm (#)
Alex’s rankings are directly linked to the opportunities gained from RESIDING and COMPETING in the UK. He is not subjected to any of the hardships faced by SA citizens, has not competed against SA citizens or in our country since he was in high school, and the only connection he has to our country is his little flag on his tack / jacket.
Furthermore, from what I hear, when he was last here his attitude towards our country was that of arrogance and egocentricity. Imo, this seems to indicate not a desire to ride for his country, but to ride solely for his OWN prestige! Medal or no medal – we have always talked about our Olympic teams “bringing back the medals”… What will he “bring back” for our country? What will he do for the equestrian sport in SA? How will he REPRESENT our country? There should be rules about where the rider’s points are earned! And Alex seems to feel the comradeship of a wet rock for our country. This is about HIM – nothing else.
Paul Hart & Harry have sacrificed so much due to their selection, and are the only team we want to represent our country in the 2012 Olympics!
July 24th, 2012 at 2:57 pm (#)
I am a Saffa living in the UK and I would have cheered whole heartedly for Paul! I even paid a bucket load of money for my ticket to go watch him and Heartbreak Hill and now this sh#t happens!? LOW BLOW! :’(
July 24th, 2012 at 3:00 pm (#)
yes Romy you are right, it is always so nice to see Paul in and around Crowthorne, a local boy, back here with us!!! Always enjoy seeing that!!
July 24th, 2012 at 3:02 pm (#)
I cannot conceive of a more deserving and worthwhile candidate than Paul Hart. His values and attitude towards the sport embody everything that the Olympics is supposed to be about: camaraderie, nationalism, integrity and fairness. Had Paul been placed in the position of Alex Peternell, he would have taken the defeat with grace and humility and would have offered his congratulations to the successful candidate. He is not to blame for any misrepresentations that may have misled Alex Pertenell into thinking that he would be chosen, nor for the bad luck encountered by Alex Peternell that prevented him from being the preferred candidate.
It is trite that equestrian sports measure the eligibility of a combination of both horse and rider. This is the case in World Cup Qualifications, World Equestrian Games qualifications and others. Both the competitors concerned and the officials who made the selection were fully cognizant of this fact. Mr Peternell claims he was misled. What this actually amounts to is one man’s obfuscation of a settled principle. In short, Mr Peternell is relying on a loophole in the system. SASCOC and indeed SAEC does not have to routinely deal with applications regarding the selection of equestrian athletes, there were bound to be certain teething problems. Why cast aside an accepted principle because one man is trying to exploit a procedural loophole that goes against international custom and tradition within the sport? Even if erroneous information regarding the selection criteria was made, it is the selection committee who should be made to account for that, not a rider who has not only legitimately qualified but has worked tirelessly, campaigning for years at extraordinary personal cost. The selection of Paul Hart should thus be condoned despite the administrative errors which called his selection into question.
Paul Hart is a dedicated and passionate member of the South African community who would utilise the experience of having competed at the Olympics for the furtherance of the sport in his home country. Subsequent to each of his previous overseas campaigns, he has returned and has actively engaged with multi-level stakeholders within the eventing fraternity to improve the standard of competition and quality of both horses and riders. The value of this contribution cannot simply be negated by strict adherence to a newly implemented and obviously problematic selection procedure.
The place the Olympic games occupies in the minds and hearts of the supporters of the equestrian far transcends the question as to who will finish first, it’s about national pride and community and camaraderie. Paul has received an overwhelming amount of support from the community because he is a beloved figure in whom the South African riding world is invested and truly wants to succeed. He has earned the right to represent his country.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:03 pm (#)
The facts of this case are very simple, and if an urgent appeal is made to CAS I hope they will see this. No one disputes that either Paul Hart or Alex Peternell have indeed met the requirements. They are both excellent horsemen. Yes, Alex does hold a higher ranking than Paul, this is a fact, they are ranked 3rd and 4th for SA. At the time of selection, Alex’s horse went lame, and therefore Paul and Heartbreak Hill were selected. A logical choice. Alex was encouraged to get his alternate horse qualified to in the event that Paul and Harry were unable to compete, SA would have a RESERVE rider, that would already be in country and a more than capable contender. Well done to Alex for getting the second horse qualified, but the facts remain, that even though he did achieve this, Paul and Harry are a more set partnership than Alex and his new horse. In looking at what the Olympics symbolize, should Alex not have taken this as a true sportsman and wished his fellow countryman a safe ride? Alex has all the opportunities to get to the next 5 games with him being based in the UK, here we have in Paul a resident South African and a local bred horse that has had to face flights and quarantines to get where he is today. In the spirit of sportsmanship, Paul and Harry should be allowed to compete, there is a valid reason why they were selected and no one should be allowed to destroy this for them because the person who in essence is the reserve is having a small tantrum, that is not what the Olympic games are about, its not what our country is about, and it sure as heck should not be the lesson we are teaching our children and future Olympians
July 24th, 2012 at 3:18 pm (#)
remove the personal attack and support of the riders…
concentrate on the decision makers and their not following protocol…
move the energy of change in the right direction…
July 24th, 2012 at 3:21 pm (#)
Just to be clear, it is no longer SASCOC’s decision to make – the CAS judgement has determined that the ONLY rider legally eligible for selection, based on (and this is the important part) SAEF’s own selection criteria, is Alex.
That said, I think it’s very clear that the selection panel believed that they had a certain amount of discretion in selecting the combination they believed likely to fare best. It would be unfair to say they are biased against Alex, because he was their first choice with Uprising and Paul was only selected once Uprising went lame.
In light of this, and while Alex was technically correct in challenging the selection, I believe it is a poor reflection on him to have contested the choice of the selectors, and sadly I have no doubt he will regret the decision.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:25 pm (#)
Cindy, you are absolutely right, if you read the CAS judgement, on the facts the communications between Alex and SEAC subsequent to them having selected Paul all had to do with him qualifying as the reserve rider. When Paul was chosen there was no communication submitted to the court that he could go in Paul’s place if he managed to obtain the one qualifying round.I find it hard to believe for a second that he was truly misled. Procedural irregularities happen and perhaps, one interpretation of the facts could be that Alex was treated unfairly. This interpretation, however, does not take into account the knowledge that Alex reasonably should have had about horse and rider qualification criteria, about closing dates of selections and about how he had lost his chance to be first choice. Ultimately, a reasonable interpretation of the situation as a whole (taking into account the facts, the views of the community, the spirit of the games, the law and settled international practice) has to be that Paul is the correct candidate.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:28 pm (#)
It would be wonderful for Paul, Harry and our beautiful country of South Africa to participate in the excitement of the equestrian event in the Olympics 2012. They have done the country proud and it saddens me to think that they might not be able to see the event through. Please let them ride!
July 24th, 2012 at 3:32 pm (#)
You are all missing the point – I applaud Alex for standing up to the authorities. Ms Jane Jackman was head of Eventing and needs to take the wrap – her legacy will be remembered.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:36 pm (#)
@ Nicole and Cindy
Well said ladies.
The CAS and indeed Alex Peternell are the people that we should be appealing to. We will achieve nothing by slinging mud at Alex. I believe that he might be the one person who can make this right. We are South Africans and our number one citizen set the greatest example of all and gave us our true South African identity….UNITY….Please let us remember that and keep his spirit alive by working together to make this right.
I know that there is a whole lot of emotion flying around right now, but let’s try to focus our energy in the right direction and that is toward Alex and the CAS. I would encourage a petition, fronted by Alex to have the CAS overturn their ruling. I know that SASCOC are doing their best to help (as stated by Paul himself) but are fighting against the ruling by the CAS.
I would encourage Charles to take this message to his brother who in turn can communicate it to the relevant parties. There is always something that can be done, but for the love of all that we cherish here, let’s stop with the finger pointing and blaming and slandering and focus on what can still be achieved.
What do you say Charles? Will you try and help? Convey our best to your brother and urge him to help. Please.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:42 pm (#)
I have been watching(along with many South Africans who live abroad)with great pride as Paul Hart and Harry have prepared for this event. Watching them on this journey has been delightful and exciting. And I woke up this morning in California to see that this FANTASTIC partnership are no longer going to represent my country at the highest level of the sport I compete in and love! They deserve this chance to show the world that South Africa not only has extremely talented riders,but just as amazing horses!!!!!LET THEM RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 24th, 2012 at 3:45 pm (#)
A true shame…what a stuff up. There seems to be a lack of sportsmanship, patriotism and moral decency at play…dreams (of both parties) are dashed and bureaucracy and ‘powers that be’are choosing the rules as they go along. Pitiful.
July 24th, 2012 at 3:51 pm (#)
Can’t believe this situation !!! What a disaster !! Both riders deserve to be there and take part !! They will do South Africa proud IF YOU JUST LET THEM !!!
July 24th, 2012 at 3:57 pm (#)
I am very much with Cindy on this one! At the time of selection i.e. cut-off, Alex’s second horse had not qualified and thus Paul was selected based on that. A decision was made and should be stuck to, in the spirit of the Olympics and what we in SA like to call Ubuntu?
In any sport if you do not meet all the criteria by the time of the selection cut-off, you surely do not have a second-chance to keep trying until a week before?
That cut-off is to ensure that the selected competitors have sufficient time to be fully prepared for the competition. If you miss it, it is unfortunate but that is the way things should work in order to be fair and put the best team forward!
July 24th, 2012 at 4:01 pm (#)
LET HIM RIDE!!!!’
July 24th, 2012 at 4:05 pm (#)
I am so disgusted by saef and Sascoc. everyone in the equestrian industry in south Africa has supported Paul , raised money and been so excited for him. I feel heart broken for Paul and angry at Alex peternell for being a bad sport and appealing the decision to send Paul over him. Thanks a lot Alex, Sascoc and saef,, you have selfishly ruined everything!!!!
July 24th, 2012 at 4:06 pm (#)
What a ridiculous scenario. The organisation should be ashamed for handling the matter in this way. What must the other nations think when they hear about this??? Paul Hart clearly has the talent and skill to represent SA and he should be supported, not punished.
Shame on SASCOC if that’s how you plan on representing our great country’s sporting talent.
July 24th, 2012 at 4:11 pm (#)
Poor sportsmanship, Alex peternell. I hope Cas will ever turn the ruling. Paul and harry have worked so hard,, they deserve this more than anyone.
July 24th, 2012 at 4:18 pm (#)
Paul Hart should be given this opportunity as the whole of the South African equestrian community stands behind him. What Alex Peternell has done is unforgivible and cowardly , especially knowing none of his substitute horses are up to the task.. Be a man and give Paul Hart a chance . Shame on the pathetic sascoc for allowing this to happen . I despise this amateurish conduct from sascoc. WE ALL SUPPORT PAUL HART.
July 24th, 2012 at 4:20 pm (#)
Folks, the mens hockey fraternity have faced this since 2000 when we were barred from attending the Sydney Olympics based on a non existent race policy.
Even for 2012 we had to qualify 3 times to go, once through africa (FIH and IOC requirement but not good enough for sascoc, the through commonwealth games placing (not good enough according to sascoc) and then finally through winning the last IOC/FIH slot at the olympic qualifiers in Japan.
So you have our sympathy.
Until such time we get professional people in touch with the common man in charge of our government bodies these non-sensical issues will continue.
Thanks tubby for another silly decision.
July 24th, 2012 at 4:27 pm (#)
Deon, I’m with you on this!
July 24th, 2012 at 4:47 pm (#)
https://data.fei.org/Ranking/Search.aspx?rankingCode=C_WR
http://www.bdwp.co.uk/bra/12/
Surely the selectors are to blame – and what about all the people between Alex & Paul in the rankings – I would say they need to do an audit into why no one else was considered
The British team was only chosen at the Bramham International – why was our selection not the same ?
July 24th, 2012 at 4:52 pm (#)
Oh Michele, this is such a shame. Paul Hart is such an inspiration to so many people and especially young riders.He epitomises thousands of South African s dreams of one day competing in the Olympics.(NOT ME) . PETERNELL , stand down , and give the real contender , Paul Hart, who has not forsaken his country , a chance.
July 24th, 2012 at 4:53 pm (#)
Paul has been an absolute gentleman through all of this and deserves better. He has been let down when it should never have been allowed to occur in the first place, he has the whole idea of what being an Olympian is all about, hard work, blood sweat and tears, and even more so this is his horses last chance to prove just how good he is. Horses like this dont come along everyday, and neither does a chance for South Africa to compete! Please, lets not throw this chance away – give to the man who worked, earned and deserves it! The whole South African Equestrian community wants and needs this to happen for our sport to survive and for people to take notice of our riders and our horses, for the future. Its time to take the blinkers off and give Paul his place in the Olympics!
July 24th, 2012 at 4:59 pm (#)
I know very litle about Mr Peternell, and am refraining from commenting on him, beyond saying that his behaviour seems unsportsmanlike in the extreme. I do know Paul Hart, although I am a Brit living in Swaziland, not South African.
Paul is a gentleman, a true horseman and a superb ambassador for South Africa. He has given back to the lesser priviledged of South Africa over and over. Whether he wins or loses is immaterial (although a win would be the icing on the cake) what matters is that he will do South Africa proud, and after the dedication, passion, enthusiasm, determination he has put into preparing for this he DESERVES to be allowed to ride.
Please,please,decide in his favour and make South Africa and all his supportes worldwide proud.
July 24th, 2012 at 5:03 pm (#)
The truth of this whole disaster is that the 2012 Olympics will have come and gone, but the quality of the man will live on. Paul – by maintaining your dignity throughout this horrendous experience, you are ultimately the better man!
July 24th, 2012 at 5:45 pm (#)
Paul Hart and Heartbreak Hill should represent our country! he has dedicated so much to the growth of not only eventing, but all equestrian sport, in S.A… He has put thousands of rands towards his olympic goal, as well as many years of hard work!! he DESERVES to be there. South Africans would be so much happier if we had a true South AFrican representing us. We are already united behind paul, and we will not support Alex. Paul is a great man, and he should not be suffering because the selection committee messed up!! SASCOC should now be standing by the decision made, and send Paul. He has been over there for almost 1 year, working hard to qualify. His horse is as ready for this as he is. Replacing Paul so close to the start, would just be a waste of time.
July 24th, 2012 at 5:53 pm (#)
Please Alex Peternell have some good sportsmanship and stand down! Paul and Harry deserve to ride!!!!!! You are not doing any favours to anyone fighting the ruling so late!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:04 pm (#)
Lets take names out of this whole thing. Qualifications to an event are at the closing date of entries. Does it matter where or when you met the criteria for the event? If the criteria states that only one person will get the position and it will be taken as of the closing date and the person with the highest ranking will be given the position, but someone else decided to bring the date forward, for whatever reason, which excluded the other possibility of the other rider being selected. Does the rider who loses out have a right to appeal? I think so! This is not about who is popular or more seen. The person with the highest ranking at the official closing date gets the position!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:10 pm (#)
Paul Hart and Heartbreak Hill are TRUE South African’s and to let them down at this late stage is appalling! Please reconsider. South Africa and our entire horse loving community has been waiting for this all year!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:34 pm (#)
He is truly the ultimate sportsman!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:54 pm (#)
Let Paul and Harry compete!! They have worked so hard and truly deserve to represent our country at the Olympics!!
July 24th, 2012 at 6:56 pm (#)
Why was our “cut off” date so early, that is the question? Can Jane Jackman please answer it, the Dutch Olympic team was only chosen 3 weeks ago as we some others.
This early cut off date seems very fishy to me, and the fact that Alex qualified a week later. Hmmm we need to be fair and transparent for all riders, not stack the odds against some riders.
Can someone please explain the cut off date and who set it? I don’t know the facts.
July 24th, 2012 at 7:12 pm (#)
If I were Alex, I would have done the exact same thing. Somebody has got to stand up to what is just and fair. Just because you don’t live in SA doesn’t mean you are not a TRUE South African. It is much harder to live and ride in the UK than in SA.
July 24th, 2012 at 7:48 pm (#)
The “new” date for the final qualification was initially 17June, then changed (without informing the nominees) to the 25th of May. Alex was informed when Paul’s nomination was announced on the 28th of May. Now, how would anyone expect him to be able to meet a deadline that he was not informed about. It has been admitted that the information was deliberately kept from him.
And why did Paul not step aside when he found out (immediately after his nomination) that the process was flawed and he should not have been chosen according to the criteria set by SAEF themselves, of which he is an committee member for International Eventing (or that is what it says on the SAEA webpage)? How can anyone blame Alex when there is clear corruption with the selection process and all he did was bring that to light by challenging selection according to the rules?
July 24th, 2012 at 8:23 pm (#)
Just let Paul and Harry compete, please. Just let them ride. They have worked so hard and deserve to be there.
July 24th, 2012 at 8:43 pm (#)
This entire debacle is a disgrace to SA sport and those who love the Equestrian sport of Eventing. They have been let down by those responsible for the selection process and those that ratified it. Forget who you like or prefer, Alex should have gone in the first place based on simple performance. Those responsible have an obligation to do what is honorable and resign with immediate effect. This must never be allowed to happen again, we need new representatives of the sport!
July 24th, 2012 at 8:55 pm (#)
ALEX MIGHT HAVE THE BEST LAWYERS i HOPE HE HAS THE BEST BACK UP ( I THINK NOT BUDDY)
July 24th, 2012 at 9:01 pm (#)
Whether PH/HH ride or not is not in the hands of SASCOC anymore. The CAS made the rulingnot to allow this combination to participate. My understanding is that the only way SASCOC are now able to stand by the original selection is to withdraw the SA eventing team, which they have done. This means that the appelant does not get his way at the end of the day. They have therefor actually shown their allegiance to Paul and Harry, and should be commended for this, not slandered.
To all you people who believe that seeking legal advise and arbitration when team selection does not go ones way is fine and justified…sis.
Are you the ones who will be telling Johnny when he doesn’t make the cricket team that. ..”It’s ok my boy, daddy and mommy will go and talk to Mr Headmaster who will instruct Mr. Coach to make sure you play on Saturday”?
July 24th, 2012 at 10:24 pm (#)
Quinton, you’ve put it in perspective – great and succinct appraisal of this utter travesty. Those who truly love Eventing will applaud the fact that Alex Peternell will be riding at the 2012 London Olympics, after CAS overturned both SASCOC and SAEF rulings. The remaining officialdom who manipulated him out, should now themselves bow out. CAS is an independent body, assimilating and assessing facts. And they ruled in favour of AP tonight. Put your emotions aside, support our SA Eventing rider and be proudly South African.
July 25th, 2012 at 2:07 am (#)
Susan & Nicky you both can go to hell!
You do not know Paul he said he would win a top ten place!!! Maybe a medal????
What type of competitor would you be at this level if you did not believe you could win a medal?? Do you think he went there free?? All at his expense a dream,that he could do well!!
He would never have challenged Alex if he was the choice ever,as Paul is a man of his integrity and honor!He has given all,everything his all!He is gutted,finished over this!
He was chosen,has an invitation to ride,Paul had no insight to all this,the rules,loop holes ,he was trying to prepare for the games!He was chosen given a invitation.
Paul has won and done more for this sport than most,Paul will beat Alex anytime over & over,he won SA champs,what has Alex won?Nothing!!!
He is a bad loser,he was not chosen,other riders are higher than both of them,they have not appealed or tried to block Paul,everyone supports Paul,he is there for us,SA and wants to do well,not just ride,he has prepared for 4 years,all lost,you I we have lost,SA lost no gain!
Does anyone know what Paul is going through?who is there for him?what support does he have?Who is going to help him with his huge finacial out lay ?
Alec cannot compare ,Paul has had to out lay Rands not pounds,hard earned,Paul had to keep stable his horse at his cost for us,SA!NOW WHAT!!!
None of you know what he is going through,he will never get this chance again,his horse and him will be to old!
Thank you bad sport,bad loser that is what you are,will be!
July 25th, 2012 at 3:39 am (#)
@ Roy Hart….you are ignorant and seem to be the bad looser. Read the CAS report and give the full story – if you can understand it! You make huge comparisons you know nothing about clearly, Alex has ridden in more 4 star events than Paul….Paul only rode in one year to date and sadly fell off if I am not mistaken!
The authorities are to blame here – not Alex! Maybe vent your anger at Ms Jane Jackman who was heading the selectors committee at SANEF at the time – she made the mess up and she is Paul Hart’s bestfriend if I am not mistaken. In addition, Paul sits on the SANEF committee for Eventing and know pleads ignorance and is crying over spilt milk when he always knew that it was him or Alex competing for the 1 spot!. According to FEI ranking Alex is way ahead of Paul.
According to our understanding, Paul never paid for the keep of Harry in the UK – Mr Mike Marsden did!
Know your facts!
At the end of the day it is not about Paul or Alex – it is about a South African riding and the mess up in our sport system.
Idiot
July 25th, 2012 at 4:44 am (#)
OMG people… how to go forward is needed not this circular debate. If the protocol and criteria as written weren’t followed – well,the people responsible for the initial decisions should be highlighted!
July 25th, 2012 at 5:19 am (#)
So was there nepotism or not? Will the full story be told to us Joe Public or not? Was protocol broken or not? Is this going to be just another media control process or not?
Let’s demand our right to know the full, clear, honest story that the papertrail will reveal… as South Africans we should know in order to see this debarcle clearly.
“Follow the ‘money’/documents”… they will reveal…
INFORM US PROPERLY – stop the mudslinging!
July 25th, 2012 at 7:18 am (#)
Just as it was time to put up a united front in the hopes that Paul and Harry would be given the opportunity to compete, it is now time to bow our heads in sadness and offer our support to a man whose dream was cruelly snatched from his grasp. Let us use this as a call to action demanding better service delivery and transparent procedures by SAEF in the future. Let us demand better practice for future Olympic hopefuls so that never again can the Games become shrouded with darkness and despair for those who rightfully earned their place among the greats. Paul, you have the hearts of a nation beating alongside yours. You are still a pioneer, you are still a hero.
July 25th, 2012 at 7:59 am (#)
Paul and Harry for the olympics. They are the true South Africans going up against all the odds to achieve a dream. That is what this country stands for. They have done more for SA equestrian sport than Peternell. Surely the SA public should be allowed to decide who rides for us. To Paul and Harry you are our choice.
July 25th, 2012 at 9:01 am (#)
Well said Mark.
@Susan thank you for the clarification on the dates.
Paul cannot claim ignorance in this process, he knows the rules like everyone else. I still do feel for him but he needs to get the spot in a fair and transparent mannor. For CAS rule in his favour and then to uphold their ruling over SASCOC he must have a water tight case. They do not do that lightly.
I will support Alex, as I would have Paul and I hope the outcome is that the nepotism in this sport stops now!
July 25th, 2012 at 2:19 pm (#)
I wholeheartedly support Paul Hart as the selected and confirmed South African individual competitor for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
For heavens sake can someone make the only sane and rational decision, get the FEI involved, call up Princess Haya or Boris Johnson or Jacob Zuma or whoever it takes to get the job done, and get the guy to the Games!! This is shameful and a low point in our history of sports participation at international level.
I believe this was the combination that was selected at the time and our governing bodies have repeatedly stood by their choice. It is only the actions of a single person with sour grapes that stands between us achieving this milestone.
I do believe that if Paul Hart cannot go, then the decision to send no one is the right one as the other person has not conducted themselves with honour to reflect well on or represent us as South Africans.
SASCOC, SAEA and the PTB, PLEASE rectify this appalling situation and find a way to get Paul to the Games!
July 25th, 2012 at 4:21 pm (#)
@Mark- damn straight. Paul and Jane are far too close, and why would Paul be paying for a horse that is Mike Marsdens?????!!!!
For goodness sake ROY, stop being so damn petty.
July 25th, 2012 at 5:05 pm (#)
Well Well Well.
Alex is going to ride at the Olympics. Thank God for that. It would so embarrassing if the other chap did. I mean, what has the horse done this year? Check out his record people. Alex’s horse has done two CCI*** and another CIC*** and other BE events. Paul has hardly done anything. Plus, Alex events a few more horses at Advanced level, where Paul doesn’t.
No one told Paul to spend the money to go to the Olympics, if he’s not there, it’s for a reason, Alex is a better rider, therefore a better ambassador for SA. It’s on paper for goodness sake. How many points has Alex got and how many points has Paul got? The Olympics is the most important competition ever, so the best rider should go. Yes, of course it’s so devastating for Paul, but Alex is much more competitive and has more experience. People have been saying that Paul has won in SA etc. but really, SA, hasn’t even got a quarter of the events that the UK has.
Now, Alex, keep up the good work and the very best of luck !
July 25th, 2012 at 6:32 pm (#)
Yep. And the level of the SA events is nowhere near the level of the UK ones.
And we are also left with the question of WHY Paul has not competed his horse for a year? There are rumors flying around that his horse has also been lame? Wonder if this is true?
July 25th, 2012 at 7:51 pm (#)
Please do not post stupid comments if you have not researched. Paul has competed on a number of occasions in Europe this year. He recently competed in France so honestly know before you blunder comments.
July 25th, 2012 at 10:46 pm (#)
Very easy to say that Alex has entered more shows than Paul Hart .It is because he has lives in the UK on a dual passport a UK one and a RSA one he has been living in the UK for over 12 yearsif not more ,very easy to enter shows when you are a kept man(he currently being divorced due to his many indiscresions) living in the UK you can enter a lot of shows ,you think that his ranking would be better than it is living there full time.At least Paul Hart had the balls to travell and enter the shows that he did .Alex the only reason you are riding is that you found a loope hole in the system ,They chose Paul Hart he was chosen unanimously twice by the South African Team Selectors .Paul Hart is just not a top event rider ,he is also a world cup ranked show jumper .The Repulic of South Africa does not live in the dark ages Alex my boy. Alex would not even be condidered as as a top event rider in South Africa thats why Alex’s clinics are not supported in South Africa (Fatherchristmas is true )
July 26th, 2012 at 8:38 am (#)
From the FEI record Paul and the horse he was hoping to take to the Olympics, only did the CIC at Jardy. That’s it. You can see it yourself. And if you know anything about horses and eventing, you should know that to be chosen to take part in the Olympics you ought to do more than that. A CIC*** is just an advanced class, that’s it. So, Juluis before typing, research and think. And this is not the place to talk about the private life of someone. Please.
If Paul is a top showjumper or whatever, why is he not doing the Olympics?
Can you please tell me, how many points has Alex got and how many Paul has gained?
I really do think that SA should review the selecting criteria therefore change the selectors!
July 26th, 2012 at 8:06 pm (#)
hi
July 26th, 2012 at 8:30 pm (#)
Mark my boy… your mate lives in the UK, you would think he would have better points and rankinking that would put anyone to shame, that he would be the only contender for the spot sadly not my mate .Your mate is only riding by default he is not even fit to clean Paul’s stabbles .By the way your mate is getting devorsed is public knowledge in the riding furturnity and suprise…. so does his WIFE know.The truth hurts, pick your mates better!! Your mate must struggle to sleep at night after what he has done, I doubt he can look any person square in the eyes after his indiscretions and underhanded dealings and unethical mannerisms, and taking pleasure in someones elses misfortune .The wheel is turning
July 27th, 2012 at 6:59 am (#)
Julius -
This kind of defamatory post is appalling and not in any professional athletes interest. I am sure Paul Hart, who is considered a gentlemen by the South African equestrian community would as a professional, distance himself from posts like this.
Your anger would be better vented at the SAEA and SAEF – to improve the selection procedure; the criteria for selection and treatment of athletes both locally and abroad. Other sports locally have athletes at home and abroad as do other southern hemisphere countries with equestrian teams that face similar distance problems.
The sad thing is that WEG 2014 is not that far off and if South Africa fields a team, these athletes may have to compete in the same team. Efforts should concentrate on improving several athletes and doing well at WEG – which could result in a team qualifying for the next Olympics and not just individual athletes.
July 27th, 2012 at 4:40 pm (#)
Bra Paul,Comrade i apologies for what has happened to you from the youth of South Africa and our members!
You were elected,chosen by all the correct body’s in this regard,you are still Eventing SA and the South African Olympic team’s choice,the people’s choice!
You have done nothing wrong my brother,but we will fix this for you!!!
Also i thank you for all you have done in your sport,your work with the poor,under privileged in our townships!
As for Mr Alex Peterfool!Like my comrade Julies says we await you!!!
You have chosen yourself!
We know of all you have done re riding,giving lesson’s for free!!! Wanting money etc!Your remarks re our country and our people!
We have spoken to our comrades in Customs at the airports here and in Namibia,we are waiting for you,also we have spoken to government and internal affairs about you and your passports!NO SA PASSPORT??Why
You tried to ride for the English,they did not want you!And you have a Austrian passport,have never won any SA competition like Bra Paul!!!
Like over comrades in Olympic SA say you have no SA colors you are not there chose,our chose the peoples chose!
We are going to fix this,and you!
We will make sure you can never come to SA or ride for our country again,this we promise!
There is no I in Team but a me!!!Me and my comrades will make this right,any other fool’s who support this dog!Watch out!!
Once again Comrade Paul Hart!Sorry
July 27th, 2012 at 7:11 pm (#)
If Paul Hart was good enough to be at the Olympics, he would be. But he’s not, because Alex is just a better rider, he has so much more experience than any other SA event riders. Of course he hasn’t won anything in SA, it’s because he doesn’t live there anymore. What about the event legends such as Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson etc.. they are all based in the UK but still compete for their home country. SA eventing still need to develop a lot more, that’s why at the WEG it was an embarrassment watching them. I’m sorry.
July 28th, 2012 at 6:45 am (#)
With all the emotional outcry’s, finger pointing and energy used in this forum, to date, we could supply Gauteng with electrical energy for a long time.
The reality is that the more these emotional and or ill-informed folk carry on, the easier it is for those guilty parties to hide behind the smoke screen.
Earlier posts refer to Jane Jackman as the culprit. Dig deeper she may have been head of a committee but the real decisions were made by her superiors.
I ask the following questions:
• Who is the owner of Paul’s horse??
• Which committee does this owner sit on??
• Has anyone heard any comment from him in this or other forums??
Bit of a conflict of interest I would say, but not unlike any of the other conflicts of interest that have gone unchallenged in our sport over the years.
This is not an issue between two athletes, but a gigantic screw up of the authorities that now attempt to govern the sport on a National level.
Just look at our sports recent track record in the eyes of the FEI and international community:
• Firstly an embezzlement of millions of rand, which for all intents has been pushed under the carpet.
• Secondly: other indiscretions of the leaders of the sport which has caused a reshuffle of the responsible committee,
• and now this blunder .
Let the best athlete win.
July 28th, 2012 at 2:27 pm (#)
Fred if Paul Hart was riding then the best athlete would win
July 28th, 2012 at 2:57 pm (#)
Mark my boy Mr P.Hart was in the Olympics till your mate ran to court with his wifes families money which will be cut off very soon you know the devoirce and the rest in the nick of time and of course informing Mr P Hart just before court to appeal Mark my boy you got a chop for as friend.Mark my boy have noticed your chop soon to be devorcided.Was never chosen to ride for The Republic of South Africa Olympic team he was forced in by CAS. Your chop mate will know the feeling soon as he is forced out of his home.The poor old horse need cruthes that you are going to be abusing around the course you chop .I think that the S.P.C.A. should step in and confiscate the poor animal.
July 28th, 2012 at 4:15 pm (#)
wow Mark hasnt your friend done us proud after the dressage.
Can’t wait for the cross country
July 28th, 2012 at 6:14 pm (#)
I am sorry juluis .I have no doubt that you are very emotional supporter of Paul and to that extent it appears you are throwing everything at everyone in his defence . What you ought to do when you are more calm is to read my text again , this may encourage you to aim your stones in another direction . By the way, you have gutted yourself in your last comment.
ps. if you are looking for dirty washing look no further then our own back yard . Ha Ha, yes there is a lot of it . Just speak to his former sponser partner and landlord .
July 28th, 2012 at 8:23 pm (#)
fred sorry to let you in for a shocker i dont have dirty washing sunshine i think you must be thinking of the chop or some one else , but i shall do you favour i will introduce my self to you , please bring a spare pants cause you will s#@t yourself .And as you the chop has done us proud the vets are checking the old horse out ps looking forward to meet you fred.
July 29th, 2012 at 10:26 am (#)
The article says that both riders met the qualifying requirements, so why can’t both of them ride in the Olympics? There are so many swimmers, track and field, etc, why can only one rider compete? I don’t know much about the rules and regulation, but surely, if both riders met the qualifying requirements, both should be given the opportunity to represent South Africa?
July 29th, 2012 at 3:01 pm (#)
To Juluis,
In closing, so I touched a soft spot HA Ha. This is not the appropriate forum to discuss the merits of any athletes personal affairs, so maybe you should send me your details ,as I would really like to meet you, and I think it is you who need to bring the spare pair of pants as you come across as a real A** hole .
Secondly you ought the read the text and sentences properly before answering . You seem to be driven by your heart and not your brain.
Maybe you should get someone else to write your narratives for you as you currntly dont make any sense.
Any time and place.
When I next come to SA I will look you up and I am sure I will find you. Cant be too many of you mentality .
I am now out of this debauched forum .cheers
July 29th, 2012 at 5:38 pm (#)
fred im here i will find u
July 31st, 2012 at 1:48 am (#)
Roy say’s Fred i am not hiding ever,you dis my brother any more and you will have a problem ok,my brother has said nothing,claimed nothing,he is the big loser here,forget the rest!you talk shit about him i will make Julius look like a school boy,i travel to London often happy to meet you oblige sort you out?cool got me?Hid behind a name you got mine back off while you can!!!
My brother is not the best or only rider to be or could be chosen,but he was !End
August 1st, 2012 at 5:29 pm (#)
My comrade Paul,i see we have know to be more ashamed, ridiculed by the inclusion by force of Alex Peterfool!
Not only did he say he was hoping to do well,his arrogance that he was better than you has now been proven in full! Finally
What a bad performance,a disgrace by him!He new full well he could not compete and should have let Comrade Paul ride!
All this for nothing,he has brought us SA the sport and our people into disrepute in everyone’s eyes!
If he thinks we will forget,or let this ride away!Never
We have many great surprises for him,we await his return to SA!!He will never ride for SA ever again,if he come’s back to SA we will make sure he pays for his arrogance,bad sportsmanship, cowardice act’s!
He is the biggest dog in sport,the idiot of the Olympics,year!
My Africa
August 4th, 2012 at 5:07 pm (#)
By now everyone should realize that the truth will never come to light. Only people involved knows. The fault all points to the selection committee. They made the mistake and to pull a rider out so close is bad. They should refund him his money that was unnecessary spend. He must’ve gained some experience while he was over in UK. So atleast he came away with something, but the committee does need to reimburse Paul something.
I wuld hav loved to have a south african on sa horse to compete, but Alex had legal right to appose the selection because we do hav some discrepancies in the selection process. But morally Alex was a dick. On the horse he was going to compete on, wasn’t such a gud team as Paul was with his horse. Also Paul was already there, hard work already done with the patriotism following him from sa.
Alex-legally u had a right to appeal. But with all the evidence u weren’t the better man for the job.
August 5th, 2012 at 8:13 pm (#)
Paul Hart is the best what we have if was in the games we would of had a medal
August 8th, 2012 at 9:27 pm (#)
PAUL HART DONT GIVE UP YOU ARE A WORLD CLASS CHAMPION ,YOUR TIME WILL COME AND YOU WILL SHOW THEM .YOU HAVE THE TALENT AND THE SKILL AND THE HORSES TO BACK YOU UP KEEP YOUR CHIN UP BEST REGARDS