British eventer William Fox-Pitt has said he never lost his hope of making it to the Rio Olympics despite being placed in an induced coma nine months ago after a horrible cross-country fall.
The three-time Olympic medalist was taken to hospital with head trauma last October after falling at the World Young Horse Championships in Le Lion d'Angers.
"I always thought I would come to Rio, but I don't think anyone else did!" Fox-Pitt told the Press Association.
"I have always had that drive, and I certainly feel very ready for it and looking forward to getting on with it."
The former world No. 1 eventer returned to competing in April and will feature at his fifth Olympic Games, lining up alongside colleagues Pippa Funnell, Gemma Tattersall and Kitty King.
There were times though during his rehabilitation at home in Dorset, England, that 47-year-old Fox-Pitt was unable to even climb the stairs.
"I have had amazing professional help, both physically and mentally, and I can't be grateful enough for that," he added.
"It has been quite a journey of uncertainties, but I've always had Chilli [his Rio horse Chilli Morning] and there has always been Rio, and having that goal really helped me.
"I have been so lucky with my type of head injury. Mine has recovered in good time, and my family have been so supportive, really helping put me back to the way I am.
"I didn't ride for six months -- it was on the back burner.
"I have no recollection of the accident at all, so I have no fear. But I have had to sharpen myself up, and a lot of people have helped me do that.
"When you have had a head injury, you lose all sense of adrenaline. I have always had adrenaline, but I just had nothing. It felt like I was schooling a horse at home, so I've had to understand that that is normal."
Information from the Press Association contributed to this report.