Back in late 2019, I started to think about my big upcoming Birthday in July of 2020. I saw an advert on Horse Sport Ireland’s website – to help with the running of the Olympic Games in Toyko and that the Tokyo Olympic Committee were looking for experienced equestrians to help with the running of the equestrian games in the various equestrian disciplines. I mentioned it to my husband John – who saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that I should go for it. Much application paperwork later (my education, experience, background) and I was eventually accepted. I would cover the cost of flights, with the Committee covering accommodation, meals, training and uniforms.

Joy, a minimum of three weeks in Toyko (my first time) to cover the equestrian activities….And then we had Covid and the games went on hold.

As the pandemic raged on, it didn’t seem likely to ever happen. Last February, I received an email to say that the games would be held in July 2021 and could I commit to PCR testing, a monitoring health app, a period of isolation, regular ongoing testing and restricted movement in Toyko. A limited number of volunteers would be accepted based upon experience in the specific sport. I said yes please – turned out I was one of the lucky few, and the only Irish person going.  

I was extremely apprehensive before I departed. I didn’t know if I would be allowed enter (visa, tons of paperwork, clear tests) and what job I would be doing when I arrived. I had joined the Facebook group for volunteers, so I did have some American contacts before I departed.

I arrived in Tokyo on the 19^{th of} July, a few days before the start of the competitions. We had to report directly to a Japanese Liaison Officer. There were about 50 foreigners in my group, we had to stay in our work bubble. We all had a Covid test, every three days. The first 14 days of my stay in Tokyo, I could only leave my bedroom to go to work.

I forgot about all of this once I got to the venues which were stunning. I was told that I would be working with the Omega Time Team in the judge’s enclosure (Covid disappeared into the background). Omega, are the official Timekeeper of the Olympics Games, but they also record the competitor’s results.  My first task was to video record and tag the videos of the Pure Dressage riders. I had to sit in the Judge’s Box at the Main arena. I had to learn the Dressage test, and follow the riders as they rode it. I had to mark the video before they rode each movement, tagging the video. This was used by the FEI officials beside me, they used it to playback the movements of the tests. All done in real-time, this was very intense work and you had to really concentrate.

The Judges and Officials were really helpful and supportive, making me feel very welcome.  Riders and coaches were very appreciative to all of us helping out.  And I got the best seat in the house to see the world’s best perform.

A couple of days later and I am at the Olympic 3 day Eventing Phase, at the main arena. I was working on the live scoring for the Dressage Judge. Which is displayed on the large arena screen, this is quite a nerve-wracking job! 

At the Cross Country phase, I was the Fence Judge for no.23 the last fence on the course. We had rehearsal days leading up to the event, practicing for each possible scenario, jump, fall, loose horse, injuries…we practiced it all.

On competition day, we had to be on the course by 4am for the 7.30am start. The competitions were held very early or late in the day, as the heat in the middle of the day was reached 35 degrees celcius, with very high humidity. The health and welfare of the horses were paramount. Over half a billion people tuned in to watch the event on TV. Yikes – no pressure.

For the Jumping phase of the Eventing and the Pure Show Jumping. I remained in the Judge’s box recording the competitor’s scores. I had to walk and learn the course, and managed the laptop entries while following the riders from the Judge’s Box. Recording the scores before the next rider enters the arena. 

I did have a few other interesting roles, and met some great characters. Chris Elliot was one, the Senior Vet for the Olympics. I was his contact to organise support volunteers for the vets, that were placed around the main arena and warm-ups. I also had the job of organizing my team, to check riders’ accreditation at the gates for the course walks.  

Most of the volunteers were like myself, unpaid, and took this time away as our holidays. Some were Vets, Farriers, and others from all walks of life. Just working as a community to help the running of this event. Making friends for Life!  I am still amazed at the opportunities that I was given in Tokyo.

The Trading of Pins is a really big deal. It’s a great way of getting to know each other, where people are from, and what roles they have! I did rather well, so well in fact that I had to leave some of them in my room because I kept setting the security alarm bells off each time I entered the venue 

I can definitely say, that running and volunteering at our local shows, really prepared me well. I would encourage everyone to get more involved with their own associations. Judges are always happy to talk about their passion and to teach us what to do.

It was definitely a birthday to remember!