It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Bill Roycroft, Equestrian legend and member of the EA Hall of Fame. Bill passed away this morning, aged 96 years.
James William George Roycroft OBE is one of Australia’s greatest Olympians, competing in the Three-Day Event at five consecutive Olympic Games. He was born on a dairy farm in central Victoria in 1915 and grew up during the Depression. Bill rode in his first Olympics at the age of 45, when he was selected to represent Australia at Rome in 1960.
Bill Roycroft will forever be renowned for his remarkable efforts at the Rome Olympics in 1960. Harry Gordon, AOC historian tells the story. On the last day of the Three-Day Event, Australia faced a grim predicament. Two riders, Laurie Morgan and Neale Lavis, were doing well, however Brian Crago’s horse was out of the competition due to injury, and the fourth member of the team, Bill Roycroft, was in hospital - concussed, sedated, with extensive bruising and muscle damage. Doctors refused to sanction his release from hospital. The problem was that, if Australia was to win the team event, it needed three finishers. Roycroft had fallen during the steeplechase phase the previous day after his horse, Our Solo, somersaulted over and landed on him. He had climbed groggily back, finished the course, then been given oxygen (and whisky) and flown by helicopter to a hospital outside Rome.
Next morning, with the final phase, the show jumping, due to start soon, Roycroft insisted on signing himself out of hospital. The doctors said no, and refused to give him his clothes; he then threatened to leave in his underpants. Finally, he signed a document taking responsibility for his safety, and was allowed to go. He was 45, laced heavily with pain killers, unable to bend, and his comrades had to dress him for the last ride. He was virtually folded onto Our Solo, and the reins were placed in his hands. Stiffly yet flawlessly, he completed the round, ensuring team gold for Australia. Bill went on to compete in four more Olympics, winning team bronze in 1968 and 1976. He also carried the flag at the Mexico Opening Ceremony in 1968.
Bill, patriarch of a legendary riding family, competed at Olympic Games alongside each of his sons, Barry, Wayne and Clarke.
Equestrian Australia and all connected with An Eventful Life send condolences to Bill’s family and friends. The Equestrian community has lost a great hero and pioneer of the sport.
Details of a memorial service for Bill will be available as soon as possible.
Courtesy: Equestrian Australia
