Vale Kevin Bacon – The Great Australian Showjumper
Australian Jumping are saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Bacon, the incredible Olympic Showjumper born 20 March 1932 in Dungog, New South Wales who gathered thousand of fans around the world. His most famous horse was Chichester and Kevin had many wins in Australia, Europe and the United States.
Kevin competed in three Olympic Games, in 1964 he was on the team in Tokyo riding Ocean Foam. The next two Olympics he was on his old faithful, Chichester. Firstly in 1968 they competed in Mexico City and then eight years later in 1976 they rode in the summer games together held in Montreal, Canada.
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He had a unique style of riding which always brought the crowd to the edge of their seats and they would give a loud cheer at the end of Kevin’s rounds.
He was one of Australia’s greatest riders of all time and in 1994 was awarded the OAM, Medal of the Order of Australia and in 2000 he was also awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his Equestrian achievements.
At the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, he placed 30th in the individual showjumping event on his horse Ocean Foam. When he teamed up with Bridget (Macintyre) Hyem, Barry Roycroft and John Fahey he achieved his best result in his Olympic career when they finished seventh in the team showjumping.
Left to right: Bridget (Macintyre) Hyem, Barry Roycroft, Kevin Bacon and John Fahey. SuppliedAdvertisement
At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico, he placed 18th in the individual showjumping event on his horse Chichester. When he teamed up with John Fahey and Sam Campbell they placed ninth in the team event.
At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he placed 37th in the individual event again on Chichester. When he teamed up with Guy Creighton and Barry Roycroft they placed equal ninth in the team event. A great article on Chichester can be found HERE.
Vicki Roycroft states on her Facebook Page “for sure the most talented jumping rider this country ever produced, as well as one of its greatest characters!”
