LONDON -- The British Equestrian Federation says that Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Zara Phillips has been nominated as part of the UK's five-person team for the upcoming London Olympics.

The 31-year-old won the coveted spot after a string of strong performances, particularly a third-place finish at Bramham last weekend.

The nomination caps a long journey for Phillips. She won the World Championship in 2006 and was selected to compete for the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Toytown, but her horse was injured and could not compete.

In the years since, Phillips suffered a dry spell, only to come charging back on a new horse last year. Just months ago, she was considered a long shot for the Olympic team.