A SALESMAN from Leigh who is trying out every Olympic sport, is halfway through his gruelling challenge.

Boris Wozstock is currently learning to ride a horse for the first time in his life so he can take part in a show-jumping competition at an equestrian event in Tadworth, Surrey.

He said: “I’m trying not to bottle it, but I am a bit nervous. But the height I will attempt to jump will depend on how well the training goes.”

The 33-year-old has been trained by a host of professionals, retired sportsmen and Olympic hopefuls in order to complete 13 out of the 26 sports over the past year.

He has only just finished a two-month stint with the black belts at the Camberley Judo Club, where he suffered cracked ribs during his time at the dojo in Surrey.

He was put through his paces by Vince Skillcorn, who is in the running to represent Team GB at next year’s London 2012 games.

But despite the intense training for judo, Wozstock says the toughest thing he has tried is water polo.

He trained with Basildon Waterpolo Club at the Sporting Village, before taking part in sessions with Team GB in Liverpool.

He said: “It is basically like playing rugby in water, and they don’t take any prisoners!”

Among the events Wozstock still has to complete are gymnastics, boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling.

He said: “I’m a bit worried about the boxing and wrestling because I am not much of a scrapper.

“But I’m determined to do well at the gymnastics because I was never very good at it at school, and my mates always took the micky out of my attempts on the horse.”

During his challenge he has received advice from the likes of former javelin world-record holder Steve Backley, retired Canvey decathlete Dean Macey, and Olympic fencer Tim Moorhouse.

Wozstock would like to hear from anyone who can offer advice or support with the remainder of his challenge.

You can follow his progress at www.everymanolympian.blogspot.com.