Tina, who won bronze twice with her horse Miners Frolic at the Beijing Olympics on Tuesday (August 12), was glowing with joy despite landing at Heathrow Airport at around 5am.

Having enjoyed being upgraded to first class, Tina was back in Findon Village at around 7.30am – slightly earlier than planned – and was greeted by friends, family, shopkeepers and neighbours.

The mum-of-two said: "It's great to be back."

Proudly showing off her two bronze medals, Tina told her supporters about her equestrian Olympic success in the three-day team event and the individual show jumping.

She said: "It has been amazing. Just to get there and be part of the whole thing."

Tina, 37, praised 10-year-old Miners Frolic, pet-named Henry, for keeping his cool and making the pair's Olympic debut one to remember.

"When you know you've gone clear, it's just magic," said Tina.
An even more magical moment was to come though – the medal giving.

Tina said: "You watch people getting their medals on television and think 'that must be amazing'. And then it's you there and you think 'oh God, it's me'. It's weird. It is something you dream about."

Read more from Tina as well as reaction from her family and friends in the next edition of the Worthing Herald (Thursday, August 21).

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