Here is information about the sports marriage of Andrew and Bettina Hoy who, in the 2004 Athens Olympics, are the first husband and wife to compete in the same event and go head-to-head for the same medals, while representing different countries. Andrew is from Australia, and Bettina is from Germany. They are both equestrians competing in the Team and Individual Eventing.
Birthdates:
Andrew Hoy was born February 8, 1959 in Culcairn, NSW, Australia.
Bettina Overesch-Boeker was born on November 7, 1962 in Rheine, Federal Republic of Germany.
How They Met:
They first met when they both competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. During the 1996 Atlanta Games, they met again.
Wedding Date:
July 13, 2001, a friday, at a local church in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, England.
Friend Alex Watson was the best man, and friend Stephanie Ventouras was a bridesmaid at their wedding.
The music was provided by the music group, "Locomotion."
Their wedding reception was at Whatley Manor.
Children:
None.
Occupations and Hobbies:
Andrew is a coach and a rider. He was a farmer at one time, and has a diploma in Farm Management.
Bettina is a businesswoman, and a fully qualified Groom.
Andrew's hobbies include snow skiing, tennis, motorcycles, guitar, piano, gymnastics, car races, and music.
Bettina enjoys reading and scuba diving.
Olympics Participation:
This will be the 6th Olympics for Andrew, and the fourth Olympics for Bettina.
Residence:
They rent a house and stables on Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park Estate in Gloucestershire, England.
They divide their time between Australia and England.
Andrew's family owns property at Culcairn, in NSW between Albury and Wagga Wagga.
Miscellaneous:
During the Olympics, they will each reside at their own country's team quarters in Athens.
Andrew came under the patronage of Captain Mark Phillips when Andrew was 20 years of age. He has known Princess Anne since then.
Bettina was once coached by Princess Anne's ex-husband, Captain Mark Phillips.
Quotes:
Andrew, on competing against one other: "We're going to be competitive, but if she does well, I'll be equally as excited for her as any husband would be or fiance would be."
Source: ABC.Net
Andrew, on their competition: “Bettina’s win is my win, and my win is her win. And so we celebrate each other’s success, as most married couples would. She is very good in the dressage area. And I’m good in the cross-country jumping and jumping area." Source: The Bulletin
