Tokyo Olympics: Great Britain eventers win team gold for first time in 49 years

Great Britain have won Olympic team eventing gold for the first time in 49 years and are well placed for individual medals later on Monday.

They claimed the gold ahead of Australia while France took bronze.

Townend is second in the individual standings with McEwen third and Collett fifth before the final round of jumping to decide those medals (12:45 BST).

The GB team finished with 86.30 penalties - 13.90 clear of Australia.

"My nerves were fine," said McEwen, 30. "They [Townend and Collett] are both brilliant riders, and I had no doubt they would pull it straight out of the bag quite easily and comfortably."

Britain last won eventing team gold at the 1972 Games in Munich, and only two riders - Richard Meade (1972) and Leslie Law (2004) - have tasted individual glory.

Despite all three this time making their Olympic debuts, GB held a huge lead of 17.9 penalties after faultless rounds in Sunday's cross-country phase, and they comfortably retained top spot.

McEwen went clear on Toledo De Kerser, while Collett had four faults aboard London 52 and Townend also collected four with Ballaghmor Class.

German rider Julia Krajewski has the individual lead on 25.60 with Townend next on 27.60 and McEwen with 28.90.

Collett, capping a remarkable comeback after nearly dying in a fall eight years ago, dropped two places individually to fifth after having one fence down.

"He [her horse London 52] was his normal self at the start, then I think there was a reflection off the water and he just spooked, basically," said the 31-year-old.

"He got it back together. It's a shame, but it could have been a whole lot worse in that situation. It was a very clever course."

More to follow.

• Air jacket saved my life - Collett
• Day-by-day guide to the Games
• Times and channels for BBC's live coverage
• Tokyo 2020 medal table