Samantha Albert - file

... equestrian now has only slim chance of medalling in London
LONDON, England:

Jamaica's lone equestrian Olympian Samantha Albert will be hoping she will be able stage an unlikely comeback in the eventing competition here, as she and her mount Carraig Dubh compete in the cross-country test, the second of the three disciplines that make up Olympic eventing at Greenwich Park today.

With eight riders left to complete the dressage stage, Albert was sitting at number 61 from 66 riders and needing perfect runs today and during tomorrow's show jumping test.

Albert's story is an interesting one.

Helped on her Olympic journey by triple world record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt, who contributed some signed, custom-made apparel to a fund-raising event that she hosted earlier this year, the 41-year-old is now looking to repay the faith shown in her with a honest effort here in London.

great team spirit

"I haven't actually spoken to him (Bolt) yet," said Albert, after her dressage test on Saturday. "He signed three shirts for me and that's how I raised some money to get here, so that was really nice of him."

"It's fantastic, I'm very proud to be representing Jamaica, the atmosphere in the village was great, it's a great team spirit and everyone is behind me and has shown me tremendous support," Albert added.

Born in Canada to a Jamaican mother and an English father, Albert was given the opportunity to ride for Canada but, instead, chose to represent the country that she spent her early years in and where she fell in love with the sport; albeit a country that hasn't always shown any appreciation for the sport.

Albert became the first Jamaican equestrian Olympian when she competed in 2008 at the Beijing games and glowed as she spoke about her pride of riding with the Jamaican flag on her coat.

"It's an absolute honour for me to represent Jamaica," Albert said.

"It's going to be difficult but anything can happen, all I can do now is go out and do my best and try and make Jamaica proud."

Equestrian team leader Anthony Pasmore still believes that Albert can ride perfect scores in her upcoming disciplines and finish among the top 25 riders, who will feature in a second show-jumping round tomorrow afternoon for medal contention.

"The second phase is the cross country and she can go clear and get zero penalty and in the show-jumping she could have a clear as well," said Pasmore, clinging to fading hope.