Olympic medallist Zara Tindall has revealed a behind-the-scenes moment involving Sir Andy Murray and her cousin Prince William during the 2012 London Olympics. The 45-year-old represented Team GB at the Games, claiming silver as part of the Equestrian Eventing squad, which narrowly missed out on gold to Germany. As a competing athlete, Zara spent considerable time in the Olympic village alongside fellow competitors, including tennis star Andy Murray.
Andy Murray's Unexpected Words to Prince William
During an appearance on the Talk Horse podcast with presenters Pippa Funnell and Tristan Phipps, Zara was questioned about how the World Championships stacked up against the Olympics. She elaborated on the key distinctions between the two competitions before sharing an amusing story about an encounter between Andy and the future monarch.
Zara recalled: "It's just different numbers. It was incredible. I think, you know, to be on home turf as well was just amazing and also for us we were really, like, in the mix. So yeah and we were all in the [Olympic] Village, you know, living Village life. And Andy Murray was talking to [Prince] William and saying how he loved William and I was like, 'My God'."
Reflecting on the Olympic Experience
Reflecting on her participation in the historic sporting event, Zara shared what stood out most vividly in her memory. She explained: "It was just such an incredible experience and I always say when people ask me, one of the most amazing parts is going into the dining hall. To have so many different nations, religions, from all over, from wherever, sat in that dining hall, eating, preparing to win their gold medals or compete at the highest level."
This wasn't the sole occasion during the interview that Zara discussed her Olympic experience, her third attempt after missing Athens and Beijing owing to injuries sustained by her horse. Zara recounted to the presenters a brief encounter with relatives who'd travelled to spectate, including the moment her mother Princess Anne awarded her that memorable silver medal.
A Special Medal From Her Mother
On this subject, Made in Chelsea personality Tristan observed: "And then obviously, you know, to get a fantastic result, to get silver and then have your mother present. That's very special." In her response, suggesting her family hasn't always attended all her competitions, Zara quipped: "Actually, some of my family came to watch for once, which is nice.....Of course it was amazing to receive the medal from my mum."
While Zara didn't go on to participate in the 2016 Rio Games, she remains actively engaged with equestrian pursuits and regularly attends horse-related occasions, including Royal Ascot.
