June 12, 2026 
How do you summarize a life, let alone one as extraordinary as Olympic show jumper Kevin Babington’s, in a single story? You simply can’t. You write a book.
That’s precisely what Jeff Papows and Michael Cruciotti have done.
Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration tells the incredible true story of a young Irish horseman who crossed the Atlantic with a dream and went on to reach the pinnacle of international show jumping.
From his early days in Ireland, to building a successful business in the United States, to representing Ireland at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens aboard the legendary Carling King, Kevin’s journey is one defined by determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering love for horses.
But in August of 2019, everything changed.
A catastrophic fall left Kevin paralyzed and facing the greatest challenge of his life. What followed was not the end of his story, but the beginning of a new chapter—one built on courage, resilience, family, friendship, and the support of an entire equestrian community.
Through deeply personal stories, humor, reflection, and unforgettable moments, the book captures not only Kevin’s accomplishments as an athlete, but the character of the man behind them.
It’s a story that serves to remind us that greatness is not measured only by victories in the ring, but by the strength to persist when faced with life’s greatest obstacles.
As Papows writes in a reimagined scene from his favorite TV series, The West Wing:
“Our destinies are not often of our own choosing. Neither Kevin nor any of us invented or expected the tragedy and challenges that arrived for Kevin that day in the Hamptons. The true testament to Kevin’s courage and tenacity, however, it’s the strength he exhibits daily in rising to meet that challenge, because it did in fact arrive.
“In these troubled times, we need heroes more than ever. Heroes who show us the path to achieve what is great, who rise above every challenge, not for themselves, but for others. But every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look to Kevin. And I’m reminded that that capacity may well be limitless.”
Babington: Triumph, Tragedy, Inspiration is now available for pre-sale.
All proceeds from the book will benefit the Kevin Babington Foundation and its mission to support show jumping athletes who have suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries.
While you wait for that (books ship in early July 2026), get a glimpse into his fascinating story here.
