Just back from first Games Maker shift at Greenwich Park

But whilst I can understand not wanting to blow the security of the Opening Ceremony - anyone who's going to be jumping that course on Monday is there and will have seen it up close and probably already twice, maybe 3 times. So what's the issue? Nothing's being given away so to speak...

Even the riders/coaches etc hadn't seen the course until today. The IOC have a rule of "no prior knowledge" whereby info about the course cannot be leaked before ALL riders get to see it. So they embargo the course info & photos until after the riders briefing which was this afternoon. Or so I understand.
 
That's interesting given I'd seen through other websites links to rider's and nations' fb pages that included fence pictures...
 
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That's interesting given I'd seen through other websites links to rider's and nations' fb pages that included fence pictures...

I think some fences are visible from common areas ie the gallop and other areas, and although there was nothing to stop riders taking photos of those fences, they had been asked not to post anything.

But I could be wrong :D
 
thank you for the pix. i think the equestrian events will provide some of the enduring images of the games - the arena with canary wharf in the background! omg!!!! we are going for indiv sj finals. i cannot wait. please god let nick skelton win gold, might put our sport on the map! enjoy the rest of your time there, what a fabulous experience x
 
I just find the whole thing really interesting - surprised the IOC didn't put covers over things ;)

The riders saw the course for the first time late this afternoon. They may have seen some fences in passing but they wouldn't have gone close to them without getting eliminated nor would any team officials. The ground jury inspected the course yesterday so the fences couldn't have covers on - and they would have to have time to dress the fences so that would have started earlier in the week in order to have it ready for the ground jury. It would however be fine to take photos of the practise fences.
 
I wonder how Greenwich Rachel is getting on?;)

Don't say it three times - please ;)

No covers on the fences when I saw 'em two weeks ago. Didn't see all of them but I can't imagine it would have been too hard to get a sneaky peek if you were minded to.
At the end of the day they've all still got to be jumped. You can't necessaarily tell how difficult they are just by looking at pictures as pics don't tell you much about the going, undulations, distances etc.

Good luck to all tackling it and hope you all come home safe and sound.
 
Don't say it three times - please ;)

No covers on the fences when I saw 'em two weeks ago. Didn't see all of them but I can't imagine it would have been too hard to get a sneaky peek if you were minded to.
At the end of the day they've all still got to be jumped. You can't necessaarily tell how difficult they are just by looking at pictures as pics don't tell you much about the going, undulations, distances etc.

Good luck to all tackling it and hope you all come home safe and sound.

2 weeks ago the fences were in situ but not finished, dressed or flagged which makes quite a difference. For instance, at fence 3 it looked like you could find a line through on an angle but the dressing prevents it.
 
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