Today, the Tokyo Olympics officially got started with a pared back but poignant opening ceremony, which took place in the almost totally empty main stadium. Though it was missing the packed crowds and extensive theatrics of ordinary Olympic years, it was still an exciting start to the weeks of sport to come, replete with deft nods to the struggles of the past 18 months and a celebration of hope in all its forms.
We also got a first look at many of the athletes competing in Tokyo, as each team paraded with a select handful of competitors – including several event riders, such as Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal and Louise Romeike, France’s Tom Carlile, the Swiss eventing team, Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, and more.
If you weren’t able to catch all two hours of the ceremony, though, never fear: the BBC has condensed the best bits, including select moments from the performances, a glimpse at some of the team fashion statements, and Tonga’s most lubricated abs, into this bitesize two minute highlights reel.
For real, now: Go Tokyo!
ETA: It looks like BBC’s video has gone unavailable, so enjoy this alternate version from E! News.
Shout-out to the United States Pony Club! Speaking for myself (graduate H-A TVPC, where my peeps!?!) it was truly where it all began. A great way to support these young riders is to volunteer, whether at Festival, a regional rally or your local pony club event or activity. If you aren’t already hooked in, just reach out! I promise they’ll be appreciative of the offer and will more than likely find a way to put you to work! To connect with your local club, visit the USPC national website here.
As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.
America’s Adrienne Lyle and Salvino at the Dressage horse inspection today in the stunning Baji Koen Equestrian Park where the equestrian events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games get underway with the Dressage Grand Prix tomorrow morning. Photo by FEI/Christoph Taniere.
Brazil’s Joao Victor Marcari Oliva and his 12-year-old stallion Escorial will be first into the arena tomorrow morning when the Dressage Grand Prix gets equestrian action underway at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Dressage horse inspection took place this morning at Baji Koen Equestrian Park, and from the 72 listed, a total of 70 horses were presented to the Ground Jury with two held over for further re-inspection tomorrow morning at 09.30 — the 14-year-old Hot Chocolat vd Kwaplas ridden by Isabelle Pinto for France and the 15-year-old grey gelding Sultao Menezes ridden by Portugal’s Carlos Pinto. Members of the Olympic Ground Jury included Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), Francis Verbeek (NED), Janet Foy (USA), Andrew Gardner (GBR), Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN), Magnus Ringmark (SWE), and President of the Ground Jury Katrina Wuest (GER).
The Grand Prix is the Team and Individual qualifier and will take place over two days, tomorrow 24 July and Sunday 25 July. A draw took place after today’s horse inspection, and the 15 teams will go in the following order: Denmark, Japan, Australia, Great Britain, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Canada, ROC, Austria, Belgium, France, USA and Germany. Team Germany are defending champions and are chasing down their 14th Olympic team title.
Photo via US Equestrian.
Team USA
All three team combinations of the U.S. Dressage Team passed the First Horse Inspection.
Sabine Schut-Kery (Napa, Calif.) and Sanceo will lead with the first ride for the team on Saturday, July 24, at 9:15 p.m. JST / 8:15 a.m. EDT. Adrienne Lyle (Wellington, Fla.) and Salvino will follow in the first group on Sunday, July 25, with their ride at 6:21 p.m. JST / 5:21 a.m. EDT, and Steffen Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Suppenkasper will enter the ring at the end of Group F at 9:42 p.m. JST / 8:42 a.m. EDT. Traveling reserves Nick Wagman and Don John were withdrawn before the First Horse Inspection.
After arriving safely at the venue in Tokyo, Don John sustained a minor injury. He has continued to show improvement, but after further evaluation with the team veterinarian, the decision was made to withdraw him before the start of competition out of extraordinary precaution, and though it is believed he would have passed the horse inspection if presented, the team felt that he should not be considered to compete to ensure he has the proper time to fully heal.
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Gio. Photo by FEI/Christoph Taniere.
Groups
Athletes are drawn in six groups, with three groups per evening. A total of nine athlete/horse combinations will go in the first group that includes Australia’s Mary Hanna with Calanta and Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry with Everdale, with competition starting at 17:00.
The Netherlands’ Edward Gal will be first to go when the second 10-strong group take their turn at 18:36, and Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour and Bohemian will conclude this session.
Rounding up the day will be another group of 10, with Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera last into the arena at 21.42.
Another three groups of 10 will compete on Sunday to identify the top eight teams that will go through to Tuesday’s team medals decider, with world number one Isabell Werth last to go on the mare Bella Rose. And, for the individuals, the top 18 will going through to next Wednesday’s Freestyle for the individual medals.
Japan’s Shingo Hayashi with Scolari 4. Photo by FEI/Christoph Taniere.
Great praise
The top-class facilities at the Japan Racing Association owned Baji Koen, which include air-conditioned stabling, a stunning competition arena and beautiful training areas for the horses, have drawn great praise from the athletes who are now looking forward to superb sport over the coming days.
There’s a mix of excitement and relief that these Games, which have been doubly-challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) outbreak in mainland Europe, are at last about to begin.
“We are so grateful to be here in Tokyo and owe a big debt of thanks to our hosts, the people of Japan, and of course to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the IOC for maintaining their belief in the Olympic Games and finding the route to deliver them in a safe and secure way”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our athletes and our horses are ready, our venues are superb, we have amazing volunteers and we’re ready for top Olympic equestrian sport, starting with the Dressage Grand Prix tomorrow!”
First off, a big birthday shout-out to Team USA alternate Tamie Smith! She’s having a memorable one, no doubt. We hear it’s also Evie Dutton’s birthday as well — happy birthday and safe travels to Tokyo, Evie!
It looks like the squad is settling in well, stretching their horses’ legs and enjoying the amenities. Glad also to see that they’ve wasted no time in getting familiar with the sushi capitol of the world.
One also imagines Boyd sneaking out to visit one of Tokyo’s world-famous cat cafés (if quarantine restrictions allow). There are over 50 of them in the city, and yes, they’re exactly what you imagine: cafés where you can sip coffee or tea while surrounded by cats. Photos or it didn’t happen, Boyd!
Kendal Lehari and Audacious. Photo by Cealy Tetley.
Bromont CCI-S Horse Trials on the calendar for August 13th to 15th, 2021 are pleased to announce that starting August 9th, Canada is expected to begin allowing entry to US citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the United States.
All travelers must use the ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. All travelers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
Entries are open and divisions are starting to fill up already.
Competition over the weekend will include the CCIO4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S, Open Training, and Open Preliminary at the iconic venue, Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, site of the equestrian events of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.
Held the third weekend of August in the charming village of Bromont, Quebec, the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Bromont along with the Bromont CCI-S Three Day Event is within easy driving distance of Montreal, Quebec and Burlington, Vermont. This scenic area offers great dining, shopping, entertainment, and golf options. The Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, which hosted the equestrian events of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.
For those riders who have yet to experience competition at Bromont, you’re in for a treat. Derek Di Grazia of Carmel Valley, California, FEI cross-country course designer at Bromont since 2009 and the course designer for the Tokyo Olympic Games, will set a challenging track with the help of Canadian course builder Jay Hambly and his team, utilizing the spectacular hills and natural water features Bromont has to offer.
Information regarding the event is availble on our website at https://bromontcci.com and linked to our social media. Reach the event secretary at [email protected].
One day, I keep telling myself, I’ll make it out to Rebecca Farms for their summer horse trials. Maybe I won’t have the gumption to drag my horse halfway across the country (especially as my current horse has a tendency to scalp himself on long journeys) but perhaps next year I’ll go for the reporting. And the sunsets. And the overall vibe. Rebecca Farms 2022!
Michael Jung made Eventing history by becoming the first to hold the European, Olympic, and World Championship titles at the same time. Now, he has his sights set on an individual hat-trick in Tokyo, partnered with Fischer Chipmunk, and we all know he won’t leave anything on the table. Only two other riders have won two Olympic titles in Eventing, Charles Pahud de Mortanges won both Amsterdam 1928 and Los Angeles 1932 riding Marcroix, and Mark Todd won Los Angeles 1984 as well as Seoul in 1988 with the legendary Charisma. Can Michael Jung beat ANOTHER world record and win three Olympic gold medals?? [Tokyo 2020 Eventing Preview]
Lack of riding time is a common complaint among adult amateur equestrians. Between professional careers, family commitments, and an often-overwhelming number of other responsibilities, riding for a short time, even a few days a week can be tough to fit in. But, even if you only have a short time to devote to working with your horse, there’s a lot that can be accomplished in less than an hour with some longeing and riding exercises. [7 Riding & Longeing Exercises For A Time Crunch]
Does Phillip Dutton feel extra pressure with the added mantle of being the oldest American at the Olympics? Nah. Pretty much standard stuff for him. In his seventh Olympic appearance, Phillip won an individual bronze at Rio in 2016, making him the oldest American medallist since 1952. He credits his longevity to his dedication to core strength and balance. [Team USA’s Oldest Olympian]
HORSE FIRST know that finding the right supplement can be difficult. Whether you’re looking for a calmer horse, stronger hooves or supple joints, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for within our product range. HORSE FIRST use only the highest quality active ingredients and are renowned for being some of the most tailored and advanced supplements on the market – Made by horse people for horse people.
International Dressage rider Abi Lyle has been using Horse First Products on her horses. Read what she has to say about…
Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. Photo by Hope Carlin Photography.
The FEI competition kicked off to a strong start today with the first day of CCI2*-L dressage, which continues on Friday. The top three riders are veteran competitors at Rebecca Farm, although their horses are all fairly new to the level.
Tommy Greengard and his self-owned horse, Joshuay MBF, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood, scored a 25.4 to lead the division. Tommy said that his horse was super today and that, although Josh isn’t really a “natural dressage horse, he really lights up in the ring in all the best ways. He is naturally very relaxed and he allows me to show him off in the ring. And he doesn’t get too bothered by atmosphere.” Tommy also said they’ve been working hard for a long time to improve the suppleness that’s introduced in the lateral work at the 2* level, and Josh was really with him all the way today.
Tommy, who rides and trains in California, enjoys the change of scenery, terrain, and footing here in Montana. He said they essentially run the same four events over and over again in California, and the footing is primarily sand. It’s really good for the horses to come here and be able to hack, exercise, and run cross country on grass.
Maya Black and Double Diamond C. Photo by Hope Carlin Photography.
Maya Black and Double Diamond C, a 6-year-old Hanoverian owned by Laurie Cameron, stand in second place with a score of 27.0. Maya was proud of his performance today saying, “He’s a young horse – he’s six – and he was as good as he could be for where we’re at right now.” Maya drove her horses out from the east coast and was thrilled with how well he traveled and settled in after arriving in Montana on Saturday, particularly because this is only his third event that is a long distance from home.
Although Maya trains in Virginia now, she is originally from Washington State and still considers Rebecca Farm to be a local event. One of her favorite things about competing at The Event is spending a week with her friends from home. She said Rebecca Farm has a different feel and
atmosphere than any other event she has been to and there is nothing quite like the homecoming feeling for her. In addition to riding her two FEI horses, Maya has been enjoying some evening swims at nearby Foys Lake.
Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill. Photo by Hope Carlin Photography.
Currently standing in third place with a score of 30.9 are Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Arnell Sport Horses. Lauren said he is normally quite spooky at the judges’ boxes and cameras, but “today he really held it together.” She said she was nervous- heading into the ring because the warm-up didn’t go as well as she hoped, but ultimately he tried really hard and “it was one of his better tests.” Lauren thought perhaps he enjoyed being first in the ring, or maybe he just knew it was an important ride.
Lauren agreed with Maya’s comments about The Event at Rebecca Farm being a unique and special venue. She loves the atmosphere and people here in Montana, and that The Event feels special. Lauren is also particularly looking forward to having more open space and time to roll on cross
country. Her horse can come out of the start box a little strong, so this should be a good course for him with plenty of room to open up his stride.
All three riders are feeling good and looking forward to cross country. Tommy said his horse is “a phenomenal jumping horse … I just want to get in a good rhythm and try my best to support him but not interfere with him. He’s ready to do the job and it’s just fun to be back up here and to let him run on the grass.”
Maya and Lauren both agreed about being excited to run on excellent grass footing this year, as well as having a longer course that allows more room to gallop in a steady rhythm and jump out of stride. All three riders have experience competing on courses designed by Ian Stark, so they know to expect some “rider terrifiers” out there. Maya noted that they jump through the saloon in the old west town at the very end of the course, which is potentially tricky on a horse that might be a bit tired as well as looky at key-hole type jumps.
However, these riders also appreciate the care and planning Ian puts into his courses to make them horse friendly. The CCI 2*- L division begins cross country at 1 p.m. local time on Saturday.
This week’s coverage is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products – and you can win some cool KPP swag and receive a discount on product all year long just by entering through this simple survey. Good luck!
The secret ballot was held at the 138th Session in Tokyo, two days before the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games, under strict COVID-19 restrictions. The Session heard presentations by Brisbane 2032, including by video link-up from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as well as a final report from Kristin Kloster, Chair of the Future Host Commission for the Games of the Olympiad – the IOC body responsible for monitoring and analyzing interest in hosting the Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
Brisbane received 72 yes and 5 no votes from 77 valid votes.
Before the vote, IOC Members were able to pose questions to Mrs. Kloster about the election process, and to Brisbane 2032 about their proposal to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane and South-East Queensland.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “We encourage Olympic Games projects which are sustainable and economically responsible, which deliver the best possible Games experience for athletes and fans, and which leave solid legacies for local communities. The Brisbane 2032 vision and Games plan fit into long-term regional and national strategies for social and economic development in Queensland and Australia and complement the goals for the Olympic Movement outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5 while focusing on providing memorable sports experiences for athletes and fans. Today’s vote is a vote of trust that Brisbane and Queensland will stage magnificent Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032. We have heard a lot of positive feedback from IOC Members and International Federations in the past few months.”
IOC / Greg Martin Photo.
Brisbane 2032 is the first future host to have been elected under, and to have fully benefited from, the new flexible approach to electing Olympic hosts. The reforms enable the IOC to work in partnership with cities, regions and countries, to encourage Olympic projects which use a high percentage of existing and temporary venues, which align with long-term development plans, and which have a strong vision for sports and local communities.
President Bach said: “This new approach is lighter, more collaborative, more compact, and has a positive impact. Now we always have a significant pool of Interested Parties for 2036, and even for 2040, which is almost 20 years from now. I can’t remember that we have ever been in such a favourable position 20 years before an Olympic Games.
“We enter Tokyo 2020 with full confidence for the future of the Olympic Movement.”
Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Scott Morrison MP, said: “The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Queensland will forge an enduring legacy for our entire nation. They will support economic growth and investment, deliver lasting community benefits and inspire the next generation of Australian athletes.
“I am proud of Australia, proud of Queensland and proud of our team that secured this win for our country. The Commonwealth Government has supported Brisbane’s candidacy for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games right from the very start. We believe in this bid. We know it’s a huge opportunity for our nation, just like the Melbourne Games in 1956 and the Sydney Olympics in 2000.”
Following the election, the Host Contract 2032 was signed by the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade, Councillor Adrian Schrinner, the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Brisbane, and Mr John Coates AC, President of the Australian Olympic Committee.
IOC / Dave Thompson Photo.
Ms Palaszczuk said: “Queensland’s fundamental approach is to align Games legacy with long-term plans.
“We will work with all three levels of government to embed Games legacy opportunities in existing programmes and will create a special Games Legacy Fund. This is to ensure the effective delivery of legacy over the next 10 years – and the 10 years after that. That means we develop not just a new generation of Olympic athletes, but we give our small businesses the opportunity to participate too, grow their business and export to the world.”
Councillor Schrinner added: “Local government leaders began this incredible journey, and now it is our job to ensure that Brisbane 2032 delivers a legacy to everyone who calls South-East Queensland home.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the fastest-growing capital city in Australia, and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games will help our region cater for the growth to come and guarantees Brisbane will get even better.”
Since approving the new approach to electing in June 2019, IOC Members have been engaged and consulted throughout the process.
A second, in-camera briefing with IOC Members took place in June, as part of regular consultations between the IOC and Members. This meeting replaced what used to be known as the Members’ technical briefing, and incorporated a comprehensive presentation by the Brisbane 2032 team and the Australian Olympic Committee.
Members also heard from Mrs Kloster about the in-depth analysis of the project carried out through Targeted Dialogue, at the end of which Brisbane 2032 put forward a Final Submission in response to the IOC’s Future Host Questionnaire, setting out its vision and technical ambitions for hosting the Games. This led to the Future Host Commission Report and the Commission’s recommendation to put forward Brisbane 2032 for election – endorsed by an IOC Executive Board decision.
Brisbane City Council Photo.
Early reports indicate that Brisbane 2032 has spent approximately 80 per cent less than for the average candidate city budget for the Games in 2020, 2024 and 2028. This will be confirmed in due course by audited accounts – a requirement of the election process. An Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG) will be formed in the coming months. For news about Brisbane 2032, follow @olympics and #brisbane2032 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for email alerts at olympics.com.
###
The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 3.4 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.
###
For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: [email protected], or visit our web site at www.ioc.org.
Volunteers are invited to become part of the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), invites Eventing and all equestrian fans to join the team and enjoy the exciting new event from the inside! Sign-up is available at www.EventingVolunteers.com.
The storied tradition of Eventing at iconic Fair Hill continues with the inaugural Maryland 5 Star to be held October 14-17 at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland (Cecil County).
The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is one of only two 5 Star events in the United States, and just the seventh worldwide, and its prestigious 5 Star (CCI5) designation is the pinnacle of the Olympic sport of Eventing, best described as an equestrian triathlon.
In addition to the CCI5-L, the event will feature a CCI3-L, which is serving as the USEF CCI3-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland.
The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill marks a new chapter for the State of Maryland’s rich horse and equestrian tradition. The event will showcase four days of Eventing competition with Dressage (Thu-Fri), Cross-Country (Sat) and Show Jumping (Sun).
“Volunteers are critical to the success of the sport of Eventing. We are looking for a large amount of dedicated individuals who would like to participate in the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill,” said Volunteer Coordinator, Debi Rogers. “There are many different areas before and during the event in which volunteers are needed, so we invite everyone who would enjoy being on the inside of this exciting world-class event to go to EventingVolunteers.com and sign up today!”
Volunteers receive complimentary tickets to the event and more. Further information on the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is available at maryland5star.us/volunteer/ or contact [email protected].
Events
IOC / Greg Martin Photo.
