Wow, Eventing Nation, I can’t believe we are already at the 2012 Summer Olympics! I unfortunately don’t have a TV right now so to quench my craving for watching the Olympics, I stayed at a friend’s house last night and caught a few rounds from both the swimming and gymnastic competitions. I think the main reason the Olympics is considered the ultimate goal for us riders is that it’s the only competition where we get to participate in something that’s so much bigger than ourselves and our sport. It’s really fun to watch the rest of the Games, be an American super fan, and get to see what all the other competitors are surrounding their life with, whether it be Cycling, Wrestling, or even Water Polo.
But anyway, what we all care about most right now is the Eventing competition, which is on the second day of Dressage competition. You can check the scores out here: [Team Scores] [Individual Scores], but here’s the low down.
Olympic dressage scores after day 1:
1. Ingrid Klimke and Butts Abraxxas (GER) 39.3
2. Dirk Schrade and King Artus (GER) 39.8
3. Mary King and Imperial Cavalier (GBR) 40.9
4. Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen (AUS) 41.7
5. Ludvig Svennerstal and Shamwari (SWE) 43.7
6. Jonathan Paget and Clifton Promise (NZL) 44.1
7. Sam Griffiths and Happy Times (AUS) 45.4
8. Chris Burton and HP Leilani (AUS) 46.1
9. Karen O’Connor and Mr. Medicott (USA) 48.2
10. Virginie Caulier and Nepal Du Sudre (BEL) 48.3
11. Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice (CAN) 48.7
12. Aoife Clark and Master Crusoe (IRL) 48.9
13T. Boyd Martin and Otis Barbotiere (USA) 50.7
13T. Marc Rigouts and Dunkas (BEL) 50.7
As far as teams are concerned, Australia leads in total points with 133.2, Germany is second with 137.6, and USA is third with 150.9. But remember that the team scores are pretty inconclusive until tomorrow after the whole dressage competition is finished, because as John pointed out yesterday, If you looked at the two best scores of each team, Germany (79.1) would have a big lead over Australia (87.1), and Great Britain would be third with 92.6. In case you were otherwise occupied yesterday, check out John’s summary of Day 1 of Dressage.
There are lots of links this morning, so grab your coffee, and your reading glasses, and enjoy some quality Olympic coverage from the best team of reporters around.
SmartPak Blog: U.S. Olympic Eventers Perform Well on First Day of Dressage
Olympic Cross Country Course Map
Mary King’s career-best dressage test on Imperial Cavalier hands Great Britain team a boost
Germans Go One-Two In Olympic Eventing Dressage
USEA Photo Gallery: Olympics Day 1
Horse Dealer must pay £10,000 over horse passport offenses
Olympic blog: spectator tips, empty seats and a good British showing
[More Awesome SmartPak Videos from London]
So that’s about all I’ve got for you Eventing Nation! I’m sure John will be awake and on his computer posting more updates on the Olympics well before any of us get up out of bed! But please keep in tuned in right here to Eventing Nation, and I will catch up with you soon! Have a super Sunday!
