Sussex-based show jumping couple Amy Inglis and Michael Duffy admit they were shocked to be chosen as reserves for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics.

Inglis will represent Team GB, while Duffy will represent Irish team.

Amy’s ride will be Wishes and Michael will be taking Zilton ST.Z.

The couple are used to competing alongside each other but the Olympic dream is one that they are yet to be face.

But Inglis (pictured above in action at Hickstead) admits they were both shocked by their call-up to Team GB.

She told The Argus: “We are both over the moon.

“It’s been a pretty exhausting month as I have just returned from competing in Denmark and Michael from St Tropez, but this was just the best news to return to.

For the next few days we are competing at Hickstead (which we both love) so do come and give us some support and say hello if you want to!

“I haven’t been out as much as I would have liked to have been due to Covid and Brexit and so the season started really late for us both.”

Duffy added: “This is what I have been working towards since the beginning of my career and I have been producing Zilton with this end goal very much in mind.

“So, whilst it was a surprise, I have every faith in the Olympic future of this horse.”

Inglis feels honoured to her name along some greats within British show jumping.

She said: “I Feel really privileged to have my name amongst such greats as Scott brash and Ben Maher- both of which are in the top ten show jumpers in the world.”

Duffy added: “The Olympics is every athlete and riders dream and I am really pleased to be on the squad representing my country.”

The pair will be hoping to showcase their talent in West Sussex at Hickstead over the next few days.

Inglis and Duffy will both compete in the Al Shira’aa Jumping Championships, which get underway today and finish on Sunday.