For the first time in history a show jumper will represent Bermuda at an Olympic Games, it has been revealed today.

The Bermuda Equestrian Federation (BEF) has received official confirmation from the Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) that they will be eligible to send a rider to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The unprecedented slot was secured through the impressive performances of Jill Terceira, riding Navantus, and Patrick Nisbitt, on Antille 8, in the Pan-Am Games last month. Paul Pereech, was who Chef D'Equipe in Rio, said he was "ecstatic" about the news.

"By qualifying we have made history as Bermuda has never had a show jumper compete at the Olympics before," said Pereech. "We have had representation in dressage and eventing but never show jumping.

"I'm ecstatic as that was one of our main objectives before Pan-Am and it's thanks to the performances of Patrick (Nisbett) and Jill (Terceira) we have achieved it. If they had not qualified for the final in Rio it's very doubtful we would have this slot - we would have had to have hoped for a wildcard."

Both show jumpers, and their horses, have obtained the certificate of capability for the Olympic Games and have qualified - but only one spot at Beijing has been allocated.

The decision on which rider heads to the Olympics next summer will rest with the (BEF) who will base their decision on their performances over the next 12-months. Pereech, chairman of the international committee of the BEF, said the door had also been left open to any other Bermudian show jumper to also stake a claim for the vacant spot.

"The BEF will base our selection on certain criteria over the next year and although Jill and Patrick have already qualified other riders will have a chance to qualify if they perform at a high level," he added.

Holland-based Terceira ended her Pan-Am Games in fine fashion with a near-perfect clear round finishing 25th with 91.49 penalty points. Her Games had been marred by a roguish ride on Navantus - a stallion - which ensured she was not able to threaten the top-ten placing after being dealt a hefty 21.78 penalty points.

Nisbitt also enjoyed an encouraging Games, finishing a respectable 17th with 52.99 penalty points. His final performance was handed 13 penalty points, with the rider making steady progress up the results table throughout the event.

Jill Henselwood, from Canada scooped the gold medal in Rio with just four penalty points, while Brazilian Roderigo Pessora took silver with 5.74 penalty points. Canadian Eric Lamaze finished third with 6.43 penalties.

The show jumping events in Beijing will be held in Hong Kong due to quarrentine complications, but all performers will still be able to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies.