Individual Jumping: O'CONNOR Wins First Jumping Gold

Cian O'CONNOR, riding WATERFORD CRYSTAL, won Ireland's first gold medal in Jumping. The 24-year-old from Dublin had a clear round in the final Round B.
 
Brazilian Rodrigo PESSOA, 1998 World Champion, took silver in a dramatic jump-off. PESSOA on BALOUBET DE ROUET went first, and had the last rail down, leaving him with four faults and 49.2 seconds.
 
Chris KAPPLER of the United States tried to beat the time, but had to stop when his horse, ROYAL KALIBER, was injured after the second jump of the combination, fence 5 b.
 
German Marco KUTSCHER, who came to the Games as a reserve rider and missed the jump-off by one time penalty in the second round, placed fourth.
 
Only two horses managed a clear go in Round B: BALOUBET DE ROUET with PESSOA and the winning gelding WATERFORD CRYSTAL.
 
McLain WARD had bad luck when his bridle broke and he had to dismount.