Ireland’s Abigail Lyle says competing in Paris “exceeded every expectation” that she had as she made her Olympic debut in the dressage on Tuesday.
Riding on Giraldo, who she affectionately calls ‘Artie’, Lyle finished sixth in her group with a score of 69.441 in the individual dressage competition held at the the stunning Palace of Versailles.
The 39-year-old from Bangor only started competing in dressage events in her mid-20s but described her first taste of Olympic competition as “incredible”.
“That was the best ride I have ever had in my entire life. It was incredible,” Lyle told BBC Sport.
It went very quickly! I can’t believe it’s done but it was unbelievable. You imagine the venue will be amazing and it’s even better.
“As soon as you walk in here you are completely blown away. I’m glad we got a few days to settle in. By the time I had to go in there, I was like ‘this what we’re here for’ but it definitely exceeded expectations.”
Lyle, who is based in Malmesbury in England, has competed for Ireland in world and European competitions over the last two years.
“I’m pinching myself this whole time,” Lyle said while holding back tears.
“You do want to let yourself think about how momentous this is because it’s such a long journey and don’t get it twisted, this is the hardest thing I have ever done. The most amazing but the hardest.”
