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Olympic Equestrian Bill Roycroft Passes AwayBy Press Release · June 1, 2011
Australian Olympic legend Bill Roycroft passed away May 29 at age 96 at Camperdown in Victoria, Australia. Roycroft and his eventing teammates won Australia's first-ever equestrian medal in 1960. Roycroft was also one of only five Australians to have competed in five consecutive Olympic Games.
A legend of equestrian sport in Australia, James William George Roycroft, OBE, represented Australia in Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972, and Montreal 1976. He became Australia's oldest medallist and oldest competitor at 61 years and 31 days.
“The equestrian community is deeply saddened by the loss of Bill, a true legend of our sport,” said Equestrian Australia Chairman Paul Cargill.“Not only have we lost one of our most celebrated Olympians, but we've lost a man who was truly passionate about equestrian and together with his family has given so much to our sport. His performance as part of the 1960 Rome team is legendary and inspired the next generation of equestrian athletes. Their performance catapulted Australia's reputation as one of the best eventing teams in the world, and his legacy will continue to be felt throughout our sport for many years.”
The story of the 1960 Rome team was one that captured the hearts of a nation. A team of outback horsemen won two gold and one silver medals. Roycroft secured the team gold by defying doctor's orders and leaving his hospital bed to ride in the show-jumping phase. With the use of only one arm, he rode a perfect round to claim gold for Australia.
“Bill was just a great mate, he always stood beside you no matter what was happening,” said lifetime friend and 1960 Olympic teammate Neale Lavis. “As a horseman he was second to none. Bill was a character and life was never dull where he was.”
