The Foothills’ sole athletic representative at the London 2012 Olympic Games walked away from the experience wanting more.
Pia Fortmuller never stepped foot at London’s Greenwich Park to compete in dressage at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, but as the reserve rider for the Canadian team the DeWinton equestrian said she feels one step closer to realizing her dream.
“When my teammates took to the arena, the first thought that jumps to my mind is pure inspiration,” said Fortmuller in an email conversation from her base of Hannover, Germany. “I am so thankful that I was able to spend the two weeks in the training camp together with my team.
“There is so much work that goes into making it to the Olympics and it was really inspirational to see it all come together at the end.”
Fortmuller, who grew up in DeWinton before attending Simon Fraser University in B.C., sent her horse Orion back to Germany at the beginning of the Games, knowing all of the Canadian horses had passed their veterinary checks.
Being so close to the Olympic dream, but not being able to compete was a difficult pill to swallow for Fortmuller. However, it was made easier by a familiar face from home.
“My brother Loisl Fortmuller flew in from Calgary and I was very thankful for his support,” she said. “Because although being the reserve rider is an honour, it’s also tough because you’re just so very close to achieving your dreams, but just not there yet.”
At just 27 years of age, Fortmuller was by far the youngest member of the Canadian dressage team and knows her best years in the sport are likely ahead of her.
“My main goal for the Games was to learn as much as possible,” she said. “In all aspects: training, preparation and management, so I am that much more prepared and ready for the next opportunity to make it on to the Canadian team.”
London 2012 was a difficult Olympics for Canada’s equestrians. In controversial decision in show jumping, Tiffany Foster was disqualified when her horse Victor was deemed unfit to compete due to an injury.
“Everyone knows how much work goes into making it to the Olympic Games so everyone feels the disappointment when things don't go as planned,” she said.
The misfortune extended to dressage where Canadian rider David Marcus was disqualified. Ashley Holzer was the top Canadian, finishing in 24th place in London.
“(Marcus’) horse got overwhelmed with the atmosphere and he was not able to complete his test so the team was also unfortunately disqualified,” Fortmuller said. “But the other two riders did very well for their individual standings.”
Results aside, Fortmuller’s primary take away from the Games were you get what you give.
“The main message taken from London is plain and simple,” she said. “Hard work pays off and you have to believe in your dreams.”
Being a top-level international equestrian didn’t stop Fortmuller from being a fan in London. In fact, her experience as a reserve only made her further appreciate the sacrifices Olympians in every discipline make to reach the apex of international competition.
“I tried to keep up with as many sports as I could and if we weren't watching the equestrian events, we were watching events on TV or on one of the many big screens which they had set up around London,” Fortmuller said. “The energy that surrounds the Olympics is like no other, you are surrounded by excellence and pure determination.”
Fortmuller won’t have much of an opportunity to kick back for a post-Olympic break as the dressage season moves to indoor shows during the winter in Europe.
“I am already training towards my next goals, which will be the World Cup in 2013, and then the World Equestrians Games in 2014,” Fortmuller said. “My Olympic experience taught me that hard works pays off. And my London Olympic experience has most certainly filled me with a new level of determination.”
To keep up with Pia’s journey in dressage follow her personal blog at piavirginia.blogspot.ca.
