In a thrilling day of showjumping, ending in a tense jump off between the only three riders who managed to jump clear in the challenging first round, the equestrian action at Paris 2024 has drawn to a close.

German’s Christian Kukuk maintained his cool throughout, and earnt himself the ultimate accolade with the sensational Checker 47. Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat bagged silver with Dynamix de Belheme and The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z finished in bronze.

Britain’s Scott Brash with Jefferson and Ben Maher with Dallas Vegas Batilly missed out on the medals, each incurring four faults in the first round, but both finished in the top 10, taking sixth and ninth respectively.

Fellow gold medal-winning team mate Harry Charles had to withdraw Romeo 88 before the final due to an overreach injury, saying he was disappointed but was “not taking any risks” with the special horse who has performed so well this week.

Althoug things didn’t go Germany’s way in last week’s team competition, Christian remained focused and his two foot-perfect rounds could not be matched. The champion acknowledged the challenging nature of the course, with five of the fences standing at 1.65cms and spreads as wide as 190cms.

“It’s the toughest course I have ever jumped, the toughest course I have ever seen and Checker made it feel like just another Grand Prix!” he said of the opening round.

‘I enjoyed every single moment’

Christian, Steve and Maikel were the only riders to keep all the poles up in the first round, so the trio headed into the jump off knowing they would each win bronze at least.

“We only had three clear rounds so I knew I had a medal so I felt zero pressure going in the ring,” said Christain. “I really enjoyed every single moment when I went in. I told myself, you will try your best like always and whatever happens you will accept it.

“I also I knew what my horse is able to do and what I’m able to do. We won already two Grand Prix this year, so we are very competitive. I tried to find the balance, to not overdo it and to not take the last risk. But still I was that quick that I knew the other two would have to take some risk here and there and then they might have one down. That happened to both of them. They had to try and they had one down. So, I was the only double clear and it makes me very proud.”

An emotional Christian explained how much winning Olympic gold, and becoming the sixth German to do so, meant to him.

“This is the highest you can achieve in our sport, I’m one of only a few ones calling myself Olympic champion — Olympic gold medallist — this is something that will last forever!” he said. “In the next days there probably is also a lot coming up for me, but in this moment I’m just really, really proud and happy for my horse, my family, my staff, my groom, my whole team. I know that this is very lucky, and I really will enjoy this day.”

An Olympics to remember

The conclusion of the showjumping final marks the end of the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Team GB have had an incredibly successful week, securing five medals — team eventing gold, individual eventing silver, team showjumping gold, team dressage bronze and individual dressage bronze.

The Paralympics are still to come, running from 3-7 September, with an all-female British squad.

Three medal-winning riders from Tokyo 2020 feature, in addition to the current para dressage world number one, Mari Durward-Akhurst, who will be making her Games debut.

For the full results from today’s showjumping final, click here.

Images by FEI/Benjamin Clark

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