The equestrian star won a silver medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and Atlanta in 1996 but has never struck gold.

 

Nicholson made his Olympic at Los Angeles in 1984 when he was 23 and has appeared in every Games since.

 

Now 47, he is aiming for London before he retires.

 

Nicholson, who won the Bramham International event on Sunday, said: "I am only continuing because of London.

 

"When you look at someone like Mark Todd coming out of retirement, you can see what it means to people, especially someone like me, who came to England when they were so young.

 

"It has definitely given me a new lease of life and I can imagine once it is over, I will call it a day."

 

It is also Britain's history in the sport that is persuading Nicholson to continue in the sport.

 

He said: "There is a very strong equine tradition in the United Kingdom.

 

"People love their horses and are very appreciative of what they do."

 

Nicholson is infamous for his ride on Spinning Rhombus at Barcelona.

 

With the New Zealand team having nine rails in hand to win the gold medal his horse knocked down nine rails to drop them to second behind arch-rivals Australia.

 

Nicholson, who has been based in Britain for more than 20 years, is hoping to put that behind him in London.

 

He said: "I have some very nice horses at present, so hopefully, by the time we get round to the actual event, they will be competing at the right level.

 

"The thought of appearing in front of the crowds we can expect, really drives you on.

 

"My owners feel the same, although obviously, there is plenty of work to do before that."