Australian equestrian rider Sam Griffiths says he's still in shock at his sudden Olympic call-up.
Two injuries to horses led to Griffiths being summoned into Australia's eventing team just 48 hours before Saturday's start of competition in London.
Stalwart Shane Rose was forced to withdraw due to a lame horse, and his replacement Megan Jones pulled out on Thursday with her horse also injured.
"I felt really sorry for Megan and Shane, but going to the Olympics has always been a dream of mine," Griffiths said on Friday.
"When I wasn't announced in the team I started planning for other competitions in Europe.
"Then I got the call up to be a reserve and it gave me a little glimmer of hope.
"But to be suddenly catapulted into the team was a real shock."
Griffiths, a 30-year-old who left his home state of Victoria in 1995 to base himself in Britain, competed at the Olympic test event at the Greenwich course last year.
"I'm so glad I had the opportunity to compete at the test event, especially considering I've been rushed into the team," he said.
"The other athletes have had more time and it has given them a bit of a head start."
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