IRISH equestrian athletes across all disciplines at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will wear a yellow ribbon during competition in memory of Tiggy Hancock (15), The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) announced today (Saturday).

The highly talented Tiggy tragically suffered a fatal incident in June. She was known across all equestrian disciplines and a shining star that would have been a promising Olympian of the future. At the young age of 15, Tiggy had already made a mark on the sport and was one to watch whenever she competed, against both senior and youth athletes. She represented Ireland at the 2019 pony eventing European Championships and won a team bronze medal.

The press release said: “Tiggy was well-liked among both junior and senior members of the Irish equestrian family as well as the international equestrian community and her passing has been mourned by all. The colour yellow for the ribbon was selected by the Hancock family as this was Tiggy’s favourite colour and a symbol of the person she was; a bright, bubbly, shining ray of sunshine. Tiggy’s warm nature was felt by everybody in her presence and the yellow ribbon is a reminder of her beautiful nature.”

Reynolds, Acting CEO of Horse Sport Ireland stated: “We would like to thank the International Olympic Council (IOC) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) for allowing the Irish equestrian athletes to wear this mark of respect and show their support to the Hancock family during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

Another memory of Tiggy in Tokyo is her ‘Rab Rab’ teddy, which was given to Sam Watson by the Hancock family. Sam’s wife, Hannah, hopes to attach Rab Rab onto Sam’s number as he goes around the cross-country.

Follow the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games coverage here