Zanna Bateman with Tina Cook of Team GB at the Olympic Equestrian Arena.
For a County Durham soldier and riding enthusiast Lance Bombardier Zanna Bateman, deployment to the Olympic Equestrian Site at Greenwich proved more of a thrill than she expected, when she got the chance to meet Team GB rider and silver medallist Tina Cook.
Zanna, 27, hails from Newton Aycliffe, but serves with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Woolwich as a saddler, and during the London Olympics she has been detached to the Equestrian Events at Greenwich Arena in east London. As one of the Army flag raisers at the victory medal ceremonies, it has been her job to turn out in immaculate uniform to raise the correct national flags for each medal ceremony.
Zanna is among almost 800 troops from numerous unit involved in security duties at the site, alongside G4S and other civilian agencies, helping to deliver a safe, secure and happy Olympic Games Experience for the 50 – 60,000 visitors the Arena receives every day to watch the world’s best horsemen and women vie for medals.
As well as guarding the gates, and checking visitors on arrival, the soldiers, were involved in flag raising at medal ceremonies or in specialist equestrian support roles such as farriers or course-officials. Specialising herself as an Army farrier, this is one of the thrills of Zanna’s Army career to date.
Waiting for the next medal ceremony, Zanna got a surprise chance to meet Team GB members between events, including Tina Cook, who was busy signing autographs and posing with well wishers, including Zanna. Shortly after meeting Tina, Zanna found herself raising the victory flag when she and her team-mates collected their silver medals from the Princess Royal.
Zanna said: “It was an amazing thrill to meet Tina. As an Army saddler, this has been a fantastic opportunity for me in an amazing place, and I am really enjoying this unique privilege, despite the very long hours. It’s something I could only ever have dreamed about.”
With top riding stars on the scene all the time, including Zara Phillips, who along with Team GB Team GB fellow riders clinched a silver medal, there is plenty to keep Zanna and colleagues on their toes. Greenwich is a World Heritage Site encompassing Inigo Jones’ Queen Anne’s House, the Royal Naval College, the Royal Observatory, and one of the most beautiful Royal Parks in London. The views are spectacular, stretching across London as far as Olympic Park.
Zanna, daughter of Marian Bateman – Hall, attended Woodham Technical College before joining the Army 8 years ago, and has seen Afghan service during her career.
Over 18,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen and women supported the Olympic Games, drawn from all over UK as well as British Forces Germany with a whole range of land, naval and air expertise. In total, the British Armed Services provided support at over 100 Olympic venues.
