First Ever Olympic Equestrian Medal for Ireland

Cian O'Connor takes his victory lap with Waterford Crystal photo©Athens2004

Cian O'Connor wins first ever Olympic Equestrian medal for Ireland First Irish medal in Athens is a Gold one
 
Cian O'Connor riding Waterford Crystal won Ireland's first gold medal in the Individual Jumping Final tonight. Ireland is now the holder of the two most prestigious gold medals of the discipline: the World and the Olympic titles (Dermot Lennon won the World Gold medal in 2002). "I never expected something like that" he smiled, "my horse gave everything and the track actually suited me. I was very happy to pass the line of fences that everybody was afraid of, and I felt confident after the first round."
 
Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa, 1998 World champion and twice Team bronze medallist in Atlanta and Sydney took the silver in a dramatic jump-off against Chris Kappler (USA). Pessoa and his faithful chestnut French stallion Baloubet du Rouet went first and had the last rail down, finishing on 4 faults and 49.2 seconds. "At the end of the first round, I did not think I had a chance for a medal" he commented. "The course was very big, but also very delicate. Tough but fair to horses, like an Olympic course should be." 
 
Chris Kappler tried to beat the time of the Brazilian and started his round very fast, but had to retire when his horse Royal Kaliber was injured after the second jump of the combination, and had to settle for bronze " Our team is very strong and we were able to deliver a Team medal as well as an Individual one."
 
Marco Kutcher (GER), 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 went clear in Round B: Baloubet du Rouet with Pessoa and the winning gelding Waterford Crystal.
 
Twenty-nine riders from four continents started in the Final round.