Her accent boasts an Australian drawl, but Dominic Ingvall is hell-bent on making Olympic history for Finland after winning the Canberra International horse trials yesterday.
Ingvall's consistency over the dressage, cross country and showjumping phases was enough for her to edge out Beijing silver medallist Shane Rose by less than three penalty points.
The result will help her quest to become the first Finnish rider to compete in eventing at an Olympics in London next year.
The 23-year-old moved to Australia aged 12, and accepted an offer to ride under Finland's banner aged 18.
Given Australia's dominance in the sport, Ingvall felt her Olympic chances would be boosted by representing her homeland.
''Finland's never had an Olympic rider in eventing, and they really want to get someone there for London,'' the Central Coast-based rider said.
''When I thought about it, Australia has such stiff competition, and I felt it would open a lot of doors for me.
''This win will just be perfect for me and hopefully put me one step ahead of the rest.''
Ingvall's victory in the three-star event means she now has the inside running for Olympic selection over her rivals.
''With this win I've shot ahead of them in the world ranking points, and fingers crossed I stay there and they choose me to ride individual events at London,'' she said.
Ingvall and her horse Kitara Diamond overtook Rose's entry Taurus with an unblemished run in the decisive showjumping phase.
Canberra rider Natalie Blundell, aboard Algebra, leapt from 17th place after Saturday's dressage to fifth overall with brilliant cross country and showjumping efforts.
In other divisions, Christine Bates won the two-star event aboard Delago, while Hall-based rider Claudia Graham took out the one-star competition.
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