The Slanch Report

Hiroshi Hoketsu has been gearing up for the Beijing Olympics, finishing his training, packing his bags and making sure all his equipment is in order. Hoketsu, an equestrian rider will be making his second trip to the Olympics, so you’d think that all this would be old-hand to him already. It is, but that’s only because his hand is really old.

Hoketsu is 67 years old and his first trip to the Olympics was at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. Now he’s back and getting prepared for his turn in the Dressage event. In 1964 he participated in Show Jumping, finishing a strong 40th overall. He’s keeping his goals low this time out, merely hoping to finish in the top-25.

A retired drug company executive, Hoketsu he didn’t know how long he would keep competing but told reporters, “It’s up to fate and fortune. But for now I will keep on riding as long as me and my horse remain fit and fine.”

Also awesome, “Hoketsu was born in Tokyo into a family which allegedly has its roots in a clan of pirates who infested the Inland Sea in the medieval ages.” I don’t know how that helps him on a horse, but it’s an awesome bit of family history.

Hoketsu will be the oldest Japanese man to participate in the Olympics, but remains behind Oscar Swahn, a Swedish sharpshooter who won Silver in the 1920 games at the age of 72 years and 10 months.