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We're just a few short days away from the Opening Ceremonies in London, and Team USA is gearing up for another successful medal run. There are plenty of athletes with Florida connections, including Tina Konyot who will participate in the equestrian competition. Konyot is from South Florida in the Martin County area and at fifty years-old, she's competing in the individual dressage event. It's the first time she will ride in the Olympics, a lifetime goal she has now finally achieved. She recently spoke Jon Santucci of TCPalm.com about her excitement heading into the games:
"It is quite an understatement to say I am happy to be here," Konyot wrote. "This has been a goal of mine for over 30 years, and to accomplish it feels like a dream."
Konyot is competing in a sport, however, that is dominated traditionally by European countries. Team USA is not expected to medal in Equestrian, and Konyot is not expected to bring home hardware in dressage. But she's been training every day in England this month, undeterred and looking to pull off a shocking upset:
"We as U.S. riders, are all conscious of our competitive level, and it is easy to be aware of what the other competitors are bringing to the table - thanks to social media, online resources, etc.," Konyot said. "While we are all going to do our absolute best, there is a realistic perspective that cannot be ignored. Based on scores, shows, and the history of recent competitors, the U.S. is not predicted to bring home a medal this year in team or individual competition.
"It goes without saying, however, that anything is possible, and we will not leave the 2012 Games in the history books without giving everything we've got."
Konyot will ride on August 2 and 3 in the individual dressage event.
For a complete schedule of events and dates medals will be awarded, visit NBC Sports' official Olympic website. For complete coverage from the 2012 London Olympics, keep checking this StoryStream and visit SB Nation's Olympics hub.