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London 2012: Introducing... Billy Twomey

Our expert panel of Jimmies cast an eye upon our leading showjumper.

Event: Showjumping

Who is he? He may be not be quite as high-profile as Ireland’s other showjumper, but Billy Twomey has been quietly working his way around the circuit. London will mark the 35-year-old’s Olympic debut.

Road to London: Despite Ireland not being able to qualify a full team to the showjumping event, Twomey managed to secure a place for himself in the individual competition. There he will be on board Tinka’s Serenade. Remember the name.

Twomey on Tinka’s Serenade at the RDS last year. ©INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

What he says about himself: In an interview with Horse Sport Ireland, he said: “It’s every athlete’s dream to perform at the Olympics and I’m really proud to represent my country at the games.”

“My family have been in horses for generations. My uncle was a successful racehorse trainer and my mother runs a riding school. Horses have been around me for as long as I can remember.”

What he says about Tinka’s Serenade: “She’s been a real servant to me over many years. She’s 15 years of age, a chestnut mare and she’s been performing really consistently over the past two years.”

“She has plenty of experience at championship level – the format is you need to get into the last 30 on the last day for the individual point of view. So, that might just suit me: if we’re not under serious pressure early on then we can maybe raise our game on the last day of competition and do well.”

Medal chances: The Corkman has managed six wins on the Grand Prix circuit over the past two years and has proven he can force his way into podium contention in tough fields. Three Jimmies.

On the Twitter: Of course, you’ll find him @billytwomeyjump but many of the updates are links to his official Facebook page. So, perhaps you’re better off cutting out the middle tweet to see his behind-the-scenes snapshots.

If you meet him at a bar, ask him... about his connection with Bolton Wanderers. Tinka’s Serenade is part-owned by Sue Davies, wife of Trotters owner, Eddie.

If he was a YouTube video, he would be... The Old Spice man.

YouTube credit: OldSpice

Read more of TheScore’s “London 2012: Introducing” series here>

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