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John Whitaker: Vast experience
I think more preparation has gone into it this time than ever before...I will be disappointed if we don't get something somewhere.
David Broome
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David Broome has backed Great Britain's showjumpers to claim their first Olympic medal for almost a quarter of a century.
Broome, who won bronze in 1960 and 1968, remains the only British rider to win two individual medals.
And the veteran horseman says he is confident that Team GB can return to the winning ways that brought them medals at the first eight post-war Olympics.
He said: "People have been saying for the past 20 years or so that we've had a decent shot, but then we haven't come up with the goods.
"I think more preparation has gone into it this time than ever before, and I feel we have quite a reasonable team."
Heart and soul
John Whitaker, Michael Whitaker, Tim Stockdale and Ben Maher make up the four-strong team who Broome believes can end the 24-year drought.
The Whitaker brothers, who were members of that 1984 Olympic silver medal-winning team in Los Angeles, have vast experience in the event.
53-year-old John has won a European title and numerous World Cup events, while Michael's portfolio features several European team and individual medals.
Northampton-based Stockdale and Hertfordshire hopeful Maher, who is just 25, both make their Olympic debuts and Broome has high hopes for the pair.
"John Whitaker is terribly determined. He has put his heart and soul into this, as have all the team," he added.
"They have been getting some good results. Tim Stockdale, for instance, is jumping superbly well, and young Ben Maher has a horse (Rolette) that can jump out of its skin.
"I will be disappointing if we don't get something somewhere."
Extreme
Broome, however, admitted that conditions for the Olympic riders, who compete in Hong Kong rather than Beijing, could prove extremely testing.
With around 90% humidity and temperatures predicted to be 30 degrees-plus the contest could turn into survival of the fittest, as well as an extreme test of horsemanship
He said: "I don't think conditions will be very pleasant, although we were prepared for the worst in terms of heat and humidity in Atlanta in 1996, and we got away with quite nice weather.
"And there has also been a trial run in Hong Kong, so I am sure everyone is on top of things."
