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United
States Eventing Team Wins Gold Medal at World Equestrian
Games 2002
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Jerez
de la Frontera, Spain – September 15, 2002 – The United
States Eventing Team has won the Gold Medal in a nail- biting
competition on Sunday at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez
de la Frontera, Spain with a final team score of 175.40 penalties.
France moved up to win Silver with a score of 192.40 and the team
from Great Britain won the bronze with a score of 199.00. The
2002 Olympic Team Gold Medalists Australia finished just out of
the medals on 199.40.
U.S.
Olympic Gold Medalist and Team Captain David O’ Connor of
The Plains, VA riding Giltedge, owned by Jacqueline Mars, Christa
Badger and Jonathan Ireland, had the only clear show jumping round
for the team. That was impressive, since only eight out of the
47 that competed went clear. He ended up with a score of 64.60
penalties in tenth place.
“I
had to really fight for it,” said O’Connor. “The
clear did not come easy, but it was nice to have it end this way
because it will be the last world Championship for Tex (Giltedge).
The whole week was great and all the riders were fantastic.”
Amy Tryon of Redmond, WA riding Poggio II showed true team spirit
by participating in the final phase following a fall in cross-country
that left her a bit sore. However, she did not show her pain,
having only one rail down and giving the team a good head start
as the first U.S. rider for the day.
“I
was sore,” said Tryon. “I was a little disappointed
about yesterday, but I wanted to ride for the team because that’s
what being a part of a team is about. It’s helping them when
they need it and them helping you when you are down.”
By
the time Kim (Vinoski) Severson of Scottsville, VA riding Winsome
Adante owned by Linda Wachmeister and Plain Dealing Farm, went
into the arena, the fate of the Australians and the British teams
were already sealed. France still needed its anchor rider, Jean
Teulere, to finish in order to receive a team score, but if Teulere
did well, they could win it all. Severson knew there was some
margin for error, but she also knew that John Williams still had
to go.
Severson
knocked three rails down, but kept her in fifth place with a score
of 57.80 and more importantly, kept the U.S. team in the game.
Although Severson was disappointed with the twelve penalties,
she was pleased with her performance.
“I
was very happy with my horse,” said Severson. “It was
not the round I was hoping for - the ring made him anxious, like
it did in dressage, but he was OK. I learned a lot about being
on a team here and I can’t imagine it being any better than
this.”
John
Williams and Carrick entered the ring with more pressure than
anyone should have at their first World Championship. As the leader,
the Middleburg, VA resident performed last. If he had too many
rails down, the U.S. would lose the gold medal and he would lose
his individual championship. The pair had two rails in hand, but
on a course with sixteen efforts, it was not an easy task.
Unfortunately,
Williams had four rails incurring sixteen faults and dropping
him to fourth place with a score of 53.00, but it was good enough
to give the United States Equestrian Team their Gold.
“I’m
delighted,” said Williams. “My horse tried so hard,
we had two bogie fences, but other than those, he tried really
hard. The last four weeks was a new experience for me and being
part of the team where everyone got along so well was great.”
David
O’ Connor had some sympathy for Williams, but reminded them
of him of their great fortune.
“I
had to wait sixteen years for this team Gold, and they get it
on their first shot.”
Chef d’ equipe Captain Mark Phillips agreed.
“We
came here to try and win the team competition and with this great
group of horses and riders we did it, mission accomplished.”
Jean Teulere of France won the Individual Gold Medal with a score
of 45.80, Jeanette Brakewell of Great Britain took the Silver
with a score of 52.00 and the Bronze went to Pia Pantsu of Finland
with a score of 52.60.
Comprehensive
coverage of all World Equestrian Games competition is available
on the USET website at www.uset.org.
The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization
that selects, trains, equips and finances equestrians of the highest
possible standard to represent our country in major international
competition, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships.
To accomplish this, the USET seeks out and nurtures the development
of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides
the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest
potential. For more information on the USET, please call (908)
234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org
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