At just 16 years old, Terry Angelos is preparing to face one of the most important chapters of his still young sporting career: representing Zimbabwe at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games. The young jumper has achieved his qualification after a path marked by hard work, international travel, his academic training, and a relationship with horses that began when he was just three years old.
In an interview given to Chacco Info, Angelos recalls that his first experience with horses came during a friend's birthday party. That encounter immediately sparked his interest in horseback riding, and years later, at about the age of eight, he competed in his first competition alongside Tiara, a Andalusian mare that he affectionately describes as especially energetic.
His career, however, was not linear. For a while, he turned away from horses to practice other sports, including swimming, rugby, and athletics, while also maintaining a significant commitment to his studies. The turning point came during the Covid-19 pandemic. With schools closed, he returned to horseback riding and discovered that vaulting was the sport he really wanted to dedicate his efforts to.
That growth has been accompanied by a Zimbabwean equestrian community that the rider himself estimates at approximately 150 members. Terry highlights especially the influence that Yara Hanssen, a former participant in the Youth Olympic Games, and Penny Crockart had during their early years with ponies. Subsequently, Stuart Walker and Ricky Johnstone played a fundamental role in their transition from ponies to horses and in the technical development that ultimately led them to Dakar.
To them is added the support of their parents, who are present during training sessions, trips, competitions and the most difficult moments of their career. For Terry, achieving the level at which he competes today would not have been possible without that family support.
Horses also hold a central place in their history. Capital Grand Cru Z, known as Cru, was the first horse his family bought when Terry was 13 years old and is, in the words of the rider himself, his “once in a lifetime” horse. Although initially underestimated by his small size and particular conformation, Terry claims that he knew from the very first moment that he was special.
The duo has progressed together from 1.00m hurdles to becoming the national champion of Zimbabwe in 1.35m and qualifying for Dakar 2026. Terry defines the bond with Cru from complete trust: he believes that both support each other when they need it most.
Martini Pixel was another important piece in her journey towards a new sporting stage, helping her to establish herself at 1.20m. The rider describes her as a bold mare with a strong personality, both on and off the track.
More recently, Cristiano Z arrived, a falcon that Terry considers sensible, brave, and with important qualities to continue progressing. Although their relationship is still in its early stages, the goal is already set: to compete with him in 1.40 m trials next year.
Terry's preparation for Dakar has extended far beyond the borders of Zimbabwe. Germany, Algeria and South Africa have been part of an international process aimed specifically at teaching him to compete with horses he has never known before, a skill especially important given the equestrian format of the Youth Olympic Games.
In Germany, he had the opportunity to train and compete at Holger Hetzel Horses facilities alongside Ronnie Healy and other young riders. The experience allowed him to get to know the European Jumping circuit closely and continue expanding his training.
In Algeria, he represented Zimbabwe at the ANOCA Games, where he had to compete with borrowed horses and navigate an unfamiliar environment. Subsequently, his trips to South Africa have continued to provide opportunities to ride different horses and compete at a higher level. This is complemented by a training camp in Cairo, organized by the FEI and ACES for African participants preparing for Dakar.
The news of his Olympic selection came in a particularly personal way. It was his parents who sat down with him to tell him that he had secured a place. Terry admits that initially he could hardly believe it, especially given the difficulty of qualifying within the African group.
The Olympic dream has also required sacrifices outside the track. After learning about his selection, he had to postpone three IGCSE exams by about six months and continues to balance his sporting commitments with the rest of his GCSEs. The rider himself admits that balancing both aspects has been demanding and has left him with little free time.
Representing Zimbabwe also has a special meaning for him. Terry considers it an honor to compete in Dakar as a Youth Olympian and particularly values the recognition that ranking brings to equestrianism in his country. His intention is not only to compete, but also to serve as a Zimbabwe ambassador, meet other young athletes, and harness the human dimension of the Olympic experience.
Ahead of the competition, his preparation focuses precisely on gaining experience with unfamiliar horses and learning to adapt his riding style quickly to build a competitive combination in a short time. Trips to Algeria, Germany, South Africa and Cairo have been part of that process.
Terry also doesn’t hide his sporting ambition. He hopes to perform at the highest level and dreams of returning to Zimbabwe with a medal, although he understands Dakar as an experience that transcends the sporting result.
And the horizon doesn’t end in 2026. Among its long-term goals is to continue combining his academic training with Salto and follow in the footsteps of Charley Crockett, with the aspiration of competing someday in a World Equestrian Games or achieving, at least, the U25 level.
Before thinking about all this, Terry Angelos has a much closer goal. Dakar 2026 is now focusing all its efforts. After starting riding at the age of three, taking a temporary break from horseback riding, returning during the pandemic, and making his way from a small African equestrian community to the international scene, the young rider faces the coming weeks with a clear purpose: giving his best and representing Zimbabwe in the biggest challenge of his career to date.
