What an awesome start for Canada! The entire team had great rounds but what a debut for Amy! I want to get excited, but don’t want to jinx things. The riders often talk about how Canada tends to box outside their weight class. “Canada comes from nowhere all the time so I’m hoping that happens,” was Amy’s comment yesterday. Though the team isn’t favoured, let’s hope our group can make some magic happen.
I’d love to report to you my detailed thoughts on the day’s jumping, but it was such a whirlwind I really can’t! I spent the day taking and editing pictures, running down to the mixed zone to record rider quotes and then running back up to transcribe. I didn’t get to actually watch the entire thing and missed several rounds that I wanted to see. I know photographers will confirm that even those that I did “see” while taking pictures, I didn’t really watch as I was busy keeping the subject in the viewfinder. Luckily, I was able to catch Yann’s unbelievable ride through the last line! How wonderful that he made the switch and this absolutely fierce competitor rides for us!
Coming into the 11a and b combination…
… Yann feels the horse isn’t going to make it and starts to react …
… he reaches for the stick at 11b …
… it’s not pretty but they make it …
…and down to the final fence, taking off from a long spot…
… over …
… and they clear it!
Since the results don’t really count for much it is a bit of a throw away day which has been criticized before for making the horses jump a pointless extra round. The horses that compete to the end will jump five rounds or six if there is a jump off for medals, as happened in London. I’ve sent an email to the FEI asking if this is an IOC requirement.
Jumpers have tomorrow off as Dressage resumes with the individual final. Christilot was not able to get a flight home earlier so she will, once again, be joining me and sharing her thoughts on each of the tests.
Last night I made the trek to Canada House in Ipanema to watch Belinda and Megan have their congratulations and farewell cheer. The COC organizes a celebration for the athletes as each finish competition and last night’s celebration included two Canoe Kayak Slalom athletes and the men’s field hockey team. Unfortunately, I didn’t know about this before so I didn’t go to see the Eventers. I wonder if the jumpers will attend theirs?!
All the athletes on stage. Belinda has the mic talking about her experience, Megan is to her left.
A packed “House” of family and friends.
LtoR: Belinda’s mom Robyn Eames, Belinda, Usha Knabe, her father Tony Eames, and husband Mark.
LtoR: Megan’s step-mom Laurie, Megan, father James, and sister Kelsey.
A nod to Eric on the gold medal wall of honour in the athletes lounge.
