RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Brazilian show jumper Alvaro Doda de Miranda has extra motivation to succeed at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The Olympic Equestrian Center is on military land in Deodoro and Doda’s grandfather, who served in the army, was based in the area.
“The house was just 50 meters from the arena here and the house is still the same,” Doda said. “My father grew up here and the reason that I ride is because my father was raised with horses. My grandfather wasn’t cavalry but my father always loved to go to the horses, to see and to ride.
“So everything started here which also gives me a lot of motivation.”
Not that the Brazilian team needs any extra motivation.