Riding a new and inexperienced horse, Endeavour, Rolton failed to qualify for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but was chosen as one of the eight flag-bearers of the Olympic flag at the opening ceremony. After the games, Rolton retired from competition, but remained involved with the sport.
The passage describes Rolton's experience with equestrian sports, highlighting both his initial disappointment in failing to qualify for the Olympics and his later involvement in the sport through his participation as a flag-bearer.