Zara Phillips: Queen's Granddaughter Will Be Highlight of Olympics for UK Team

There is about as good a chance of Zara Phillips failing to make the United Kingdom's 2012 Olympic equestrian roster as there is of David Beckham being left off the soccer roster.

Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter has been nominated for Britain's equestrian team for London 2012, according to the Associated Press, and though it's uncertain whether or not she'll be on the final roster, it would seem crazy for her to be left off. She's the queen's granddaughter. Is this really a question? 

Phillips even skipped the Diamond Jubilee to make sure she earned a nomination. She at least has to get credit for that.

Though Phillips was a long shot for the Olympic roster a couple of months ago, she put forth a strong showing at Bramham last weekend to seal up a nomination. Succeeding at Bramham was essential for Phillips after several events that would've given her an opportunity to showcase her skills were cancelled due to weather. 

If Britain wants its equestrian team to earn a gold this summer, Phillips could be a crucial part of the mix, given her unique ability to handle pressure. Being the queen's granddaughter isn't going to get in her way of her riding abilities, nor is anything else. Eventing expert Jimmy Wofford told the AP's Danica Kirka:

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She brings a unique ability to deal with pressure. I wouldn't want the lifestyle that produced it, but our format these days guarantees a cliffhanger finish. … You have to have Sunday afternoon nerve. … Every time Zara goes out now, she looks better.

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It's not as though Phillips doesn't deserve to be competing for a gold this summer. She was tabbed to participate in the 2008 Olympics, but had to bow out when her horse got injured just a few weeks before competition began. It's been a long road back to proving she's at least deserving of consideration. 

Even though her skills warrant it, though, there are some instances when a little bit of favoritism is necessary, too. This is like an ABC Family movie plot: The queen's granddaughter defies the odds to qualify for the Olympics and wins the gold medal for the host nation.

There's no way the U.K. can pass up that kind of an opportunity.