By David Gold

Ellie Cole__Feb19February 18 - Australian Paralympic greats Evan O'Hanlon, Kathryn Ross and Ellie Cole (pictured left) have spoken to the country's Para-equestrian squad ahead of their first selection competition at Werribee, in April.


They met at the Australian Institute of Sport at what was the last full squad training camp prior to the selection competition.

With seven Paralympic Games medals between them, the trio's advice was invaluable as they shared tips on training and dealing with pressure.

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T38 sprint athlete O'Hanlon has claimed three gold medals at previous Paralympic Games, whilst Ross picked up a silver medal at Beijing 2008 in rowing and swimmer Cole won a silver and two bronze at the same Games.

Julia Battams, Australia's Para-equestrian coach, said: "When you break down the numbers, we have just 89 training hours left before London.

"We're now getting to the pointy end of the four year Games cycle and it's crucial our athletes do everything they can to get themselves and their horses ready.

"This week our athletes have focused on their physical fitness to improve their core strength, stability and endurance when riding as well as their pre-competition and recovery methods.

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"For most of the squad, this is their first Paralympic Games campaign so it was great to talk to Evan, Kathryn and Ellie about what to expect at a Games and the physical and mental work needed to get there."

Australia qualified for the equestrian team event at last year's Oceania qualification tournament, which means that four athletes will be going to the Paralympics.

The final selection of the quartet who will go to Greenwich Park in London for the Paralympic Games will be made after the second selection contest in Sydney in May.

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