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Mike Bullen recalls the 1964 Tokyo Games where he received a medal for bravery


  • With just days to go to the Tokyo Olympics, event rider Mike Bullen reminisces about his own Games experience, something he “wouldn’t have missed for anything”, says Kate Green

    WHEN the Olympic eventing competition appears on our screens this month, one man will be viewing it from a particularly interesting perspective. Along with James Templer, Mike Bullen is the last man standing from the British team that contested the 1964 Tokyo Games. Some memories remain vivid, others more patchy – and no wonder, for he spent part of the competition unconscious.

    It hardly needs saying that Olympic preparation has changed out of all recognition. The first thing Mike and Capt Templer decided to do on arrival at the eventing site at Karuizawa – a five-hour round trip from the Olympic village – was to explore a volcano, not an activity that would be at the top of the list for today’s team officials reporting to UK Sport.

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    This exclusive feature is also available to read in 15 July issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

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