Oliver Townend is Britain’s leading three-day-eventer. And this week, he’s spoken out in favour of the decision to have the London 2012 Olympic equestrian events in Greenwich Park.

Talking to insidethegames.biz, Oliver says, “Having London 2012 coming up is a huge bonus for our sport.

“I know there’s been a lot of controversy about holding the equestrian events in Greenwich Park, but I think it’s going to be fantastic for local people. They will be able to step outside their front door and watch a really great event. It’s a big opportunity for us to explain what we do to a new audience. I can’t think of a more exciting sport to be watching on a nice sunny day, whether you are interested in horses or not.

I am really looking forward to London 2012.”

Both the equestrian and the modern pentathlon events will be held at Greenwich Park in London 2012, following a decision made in March by Greenwich Council’s Planning Board. The planning permission was granted to London 2012 along with 42 separate conditions, all of which must be met.

Seb Coe, chairman of London 2012, has made five pledges regarding Greenwich Park:

1. to protect the park
2. to ensure as much of the park stays open for as long as possible
3. to leave a legacy for future generations
4. to showcase Greenwich to the world
5. to listen to local people about potential 2012 issues

Read the full interview with Oliver Townend here.