Bermudians who competed in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia
- Athletics – Brian Wellman
- Equestrian – Mary Jane Tumbridge
- Sailing – Peter Bromby
- Sailing – Lee White
- Sailing – Sara Lane Wright
- Swimming – Stephen Fahy
Notes
Peter Bromby and Lee White placed 4th in the Mixed Two Person Keelboat, Bermuda’s second highest Olympic placing ever.
Disaster struck for equestrian MJ Tumbridge when during the cross-country phase her horse Bermuda’s Gold landed awkwardly on the second fence, shattering her left hind leg.
Bermuda’s Gold was taken via horse ambulance to a special facility. After consultation with specialist vets, the decision was made to put the horse down as it stood minimal chance of recovery. It was the first equine fatality in an Olympics since 1968. Ms. Tumbridge was widely reported to be extremely devastated. The Humane Society of America called for reforms in the equestrian world, citing the death of Bermuda’s Gold.
Ms Tumbridge and Bermuda’s Gold weren’t alone. One that same day, at least nine horses fell and two competitors were taken to hospital; Roberto Macedo of Brazil with a broken pelvis and Nils Haagensen of Denmark with a broken shoulder.
Only 23 of the original 38 entries remained for show jumping on the final day.
The photo below shows an obviously distraught MJ Tumbridge being led away from the course after her horse fell and broke its leg in the Individual Three Day Eventing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. [Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images]
