Fears for one of Australia’s best-known equestrians after ‘probable’ heart attack at Royal Easter Show as her sister shares shocking updates about three-time Olympic champion
- Vicki Roycroft suffered a medical episode
- Sister shared a shocking update Saturday night
- Three-time Olympian doesn’t breathe for 10 minutes
Australian three-time Olympic rider Vicki Roycroft undergoes emergency surgery following a suspected heart attack. Friends and family urge everyone to keep her in their prayers.
The 69-year-old was preparing to compete in a show jumping competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Saturday when she suffered a medical episode.
Roycroft was rushed to Concord Hospital before being transferred to the intensive care unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where doctors will not know the extent of the damage for several days.
Show jumping champion Matt Williams shared a poignant update from Roycroft’s sister Joanne late Saturday night.
Vicki Roycroft (above) was rushed to hospital on Saturday after suffering a ‘probable’ heart attack
“Vicki has been stabilized at Concord Hospital and transferred to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital,” the post reads.
“She has a large tear in her aorta. She wasn’t breathing for 10 minutes, so they don’t know what damage was done.
“She is currently undergoing an eight-hour surgery for bypass surgery.
“Please all pray for Vicki, it will be three to four days before they know the damage that has been done. Doctors are amazed at her condition, so this is a plus.”
Mr Williams added his own message for Roycroft, writing: ‘If anyone can get through this, it’s you. [You’re] one of, if not the strongest person I have met in this sport.
“You are an inspiration to all of us and we all pray for you.”
Fellow show jumping champion Matt Williams (right) shared an update on the condition of Vicki Roycroft (center) on Saturday night
It is clear that Roycroft contracted the episode while preparing for show jumping at the Royal Easter Show.
“The St. John Ambulance team on the scene attended to her immediately, and treatment was also provided by NSW Ambulance paramedics,” a spokeswoman told the The Sydney Morning Herald.
“The thoughts of the entire Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and the equine community at the show are with Vicki and her loved ones at this time.”
Fellow rider Claudia Studdert, who used to be taught by Roycroft, was among the many benefactors.
“She’s the reason I even started jumping and added countless amounts of wisdom and inspiration to my life that I still reflect on on a regular basis,” she said.
Not to mention she’s the reason I have my Barbie bangs (which are my favorite thing in this world) and of course the reason I have Laz the Legend.
“Lots of love Vicki, please get well soon. We’re all praying for you.’
Vicki Roycroft (above) represented Australia as a member of three Olympic and three World Cup teams
Another wrote: I pray you get through this Vicki Roycroft, the strongest woman I know. Such a role model for me and so many others.’
Roycroft has represented Australia at three Olympics and three World Championships.
She was named Australian champion three times – in 1983 for three-day eventing and for show jumping in 1996 and 2005.
Roycroft was one of the first to receive the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, awarded by the Governor General in recognition of Australian sporting achievements.
She was married to fellow three-time Olympian Wayne Roycroft for 24 years before they separated in 2000.