Tokyo 22/07/21
Another early start. This time out to the cross country venue at Sea Forest Park with Alec Lahore
(Equestrian Manager), Goran Akerstrom (Head of the FEI Veterinary Department), Tim Hadaway (FEI
Games Director) and Helen Christie (Chief Steward).
After 30 minutes our car hadn’t arrived so we jumped in a taxi. Once again, driver didn’t seem to be aware of this island in Tokyo bay! On the way we learned that the official car system was “broken”. But I did get to see the Athlete Village from the bridge
I also got to travel through the new bridge and the video shows the route the horseboxes will take
when they ferry the eventers from the Equestrian Park at Baji Koen to the cross country venue on
Sea Forest Park.
Remembering we are still not allowed to post images of venues until after the opening ceremony tomorrow evening, I can show you the cross country course builder’s “sculpture” outside their office.
…and the cross country surface!
I also took some footage looking across the bay from the cross country to Tokyo.
On the way back to the main venue I managed to find two images I’m allowed to post.
The rest of the day has been spent checking stable conditions (temperature, humidity, and air quality) and reviewing the latest weather forecasts. Helen Reynolds also started thermal imaging monitoring of training this morning and I will join her tonight for the afternoon session with the two of us covering the training arenas and gallops. Another hot day with WBGT up to around 31°C but pleased to report all horses coping well and looking in great shape. Tomorrow many of the eventers will be using the gallops and of course, we have the dressage trot up and the opening ceremony for athletes and VIPs only – so sadly I’ll be watching on TV.
But the good news is from tomorrow morning UK time I’ll be able to share lots of images and footage so please stay tuned!
Have you seen my short videos on Olympic preparation:
Acclimatisation: Click here
Travel: Click here
WBGT Index: Click here
