The Olympic Games are a dream not just for athletes but for grooms too. As we get closer to Paris we will be catching up with some of the grooms who are headed to Versailles.
First up, we chatted to Marcus Bean, groom for Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park, Team NZ.
Is this your first Games, and how do you feel about being at the Olympics?
Yes, this will be my first Olympics. I was at the Pratoni World Championships in 2022, but have never made it to an Olympics.
It is incredible to finally be going, because it’s something I have wanted throughout my career, and I wasn’t sure if it was a dream that would come true.
The opportunity was almost in my hand to go to Tokyo but it slipped away at the last moment, so I’m super excited to be going to Paris this year.
How long have you been looking after Menlo Park?
Two years this week – I started working for Clarke on 10 July 2022. It was quite funny how it worked, I had heard Clarke was moving over from New Zealand, and had been in contact with him but then he kept pushing the horses’ flights back to get the best route for them.
I went off to do other things as I needed to be working but after 6 months Clarke asked if I’d come and work for him after all.
I didn’t turn down the opportunity a second time!
What has been your best moment working for Clarke?
They’re often the ones I don’t expect. Last year we took a new horse to France for his first FEI event, and he won the 3* Long. That was so unexpected and so special.
I love working for Clarke because he never micromanages – I think that can be the death of a job. We coordinate the way the yard works, but it’s largely my ship to sail, which is great.
What's it like being part of Team NZ?
Team NZ is the best! We really are a close-knit family, we all help each other and we’re in touch whenever we’re travelling to places.
The team really makes sure to look after the grooms, they go out to get us pizzas and beers after the cross country, and if we ever need anything they will go and find it for us.
I love the kit too – I wear that silver fern with pride!”
Thank you Marcus for taking the time to answer our questions - photo credit to Libby Law Photography.
Good luck to all the grooms heading to Paris – we know how much this matters to every one of you and will be cheering you all on!!
