print


Emily Fraser can boast possibly the biggest personal fan club in Nanjing.

The show jumper has an 11-strong entourage from her home country supporting her, including trainers Sally Clark and Maurice Beatson, parents Donald and Karen Fraser, grandfather Terry Spitz, his partner Christine, aunt Amanda Fraser and sister Hannah Fraser.

Amanda flew in from Paris in time to see her niece in the team event on Wednesday and three friends will be at the Xinzhuang Equestrian Centre for the individual competition, which starts on Saturday, August 23.

Both Beatson and Clark are Olympians, with Clark winning silver at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

Emilys mother Karen explained: This is only a one-off. This will never happen in Emilys life again as she will be too old next time.

The next stage of the Olympics is very, very expensive. Its self-funded and you have to take your own horses.

Achieving this is a lot easier. We go everywhere we can with Emily. Weve been to South Africa twice and we go all over New Zealand from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island.

Its 24 shows a season. We all go in a big truck with seven horses.

Fraser, who totted up just four faults in two rounds on board Exilio in the team event, says she feeds off the fan club.

It is great to have their support and Im grateful for them being here, said the 18-year-old. Its like an energy boost. I dont spot them during the round, but I spot them before so I know where they are.

Fraser is looking forward to the individual event, in which all 30 riders compete.

I was pleased with my performance [in the team event]. I couldnt have jumped better. We have connected pretty much straight away and its been perfect the whole way.

Im pretty confident for the individual and Im looking forward to it.

YIS js/tb/pp/sg

Nanjing 2014 Olympic Summer Youth Games
Tweet Share