Three-day event rider William Fox-Pitt thought he would never make another Olympic Games.

Less than a year ago, the Kent-raised London 2012 team silver medallist was in an induced coma after a serious head injury and his family were wondering if he would survive.

A month later, when he had woken, Fox-Pitt then questioned if he would ever ride again.

Now he finds himself leading the competition after the first day on Saturday in Rio, ahead of further rounds on Monday.

This is his fifth Olympic campaign seeking to add to his haul of three medals in equestrian competition.

The 47-year-old – who grew up at Knowlton Court, near Goodnestone – fell from his mount at the 2015 World Young Horse Championships in Le Lion-d’Angers, France, last October.

He spent a month in an induced coma before being transferred back to the UK and although the fall affected his sight and judgement, doctors gave him the all-clear to resume competition in March.

He said: “Having the Olympics and the horses has helped in my rehab. It’s given me a drive to get my brain back, my body back and to be aiming for something.”

He added: “I’ve been so lucky. I feel fine now but I know I’m not completely 100%, I am improving still. ”

Fox-Pitt will ride Chilli Morning in Rio where the six-time European team champion will be joined by Pippa Funnell and Olympic newcomers Kitty King and Gemma Tattersall.