EVENTING legend Sir Mark Todd admits he could never have dreamt of still being an Olympian in his seventh decade following his inclusion in the New Zealand squad to compete in Rio this summer.

On Monday it was confirmed that Swindon-based Todd had been selected for the Olympic Games for an eighth time after being named in a four-strong team alongside Jonelle Price, Jock Paget and Clarke Johnstone to travel to Brazil.

Two-time individual gold medallist Todd, who turned 60 earlier this year, was initially denied his Olympic debut after New Zealand boycotted the 1980 edition in Moscow but has since gone on to compete at every Games since Los Angeles in 1984.

“At the time you think I nearly got to the Olympic Games and it’s taken away from me and it might never happen again,” said Todd.

“Fortunately, four years later I got selected again and went to Los Angeles, but never did I imagine I’d still be doing it now and going to another Olympics.

“It probably wasn’t rocket science to pick who were the leading three (in our team), the fourth spot was a little bit in doubt but I am really excited about it.

“It’s another Olympic Games, in Rio, which is a carnival city, so hopefully it will all be good.”

Todd, who has claimed five Olympic medals in total over the years, hopes his wealth of knowledge of the unique nature of eventing at the Games can help the Kiwis onto the rostrum again this summer.

When asked if anyone in Rio had more experience than him, Todd said: “Probably not in eventing. There’s a show-jumper that’s done 10 but I have been to a few now.

“Olympic Games are different from any other equestrian event because you are just part of the whole Olympic thing.

“Some things can be done a little bit differently and one of the biggest things you have got to be is adaptable. Things don’t always run to plan, so you have to say: ‘OK, we can’t do that, let’s change plan and do this’.

“Having that bit of experience can hopefully help me and help the others.”