Great Britain has secured Olympic equestrian gold in the showjumping team event in Paris, marking their first victory in this category since the London 2012 Olympics. The British trio of Ben Maher, Harry Charles, and Scott Brash put on a nearly flawless performance at the Chateau de Versailles, with just two time penalties, putting them at the top of the standings. The United States came in second, followed by France in third place.
This victory comes 12 years after Maher, Brash, and Charles’ father, Peter, won team jumping gold at the London Olympics alongside Nick Skelton. Interestingly, this win also marks 60 years since Great Britain’s last gold in the event, which was in Helsinki in 1952. Charles, who was only 13 when his father won gold, has now joined him in the history books, making this victory even more special.
The British team’s gold medal is the ninth for Team GB at the Paris Olympics, with the first one also coming in equestrian in the team eventing category. Maher, riding Dallas Vegas Batilly, started off strong with just one time penalty in the opening round. Charles, at his second Games and now 25 years old, followed up with a clear round on Romeo 88. Finally, Brash, riding Jefferson, sealed the victory with just one time penalty after a couple of brushed fences.
Maher expressed his confidence in Brash’s abilities, highlighting the exceptional riding rounds by all team members throughout the day. Brash acknowledged the pressure of being in a three-man team, emphasizing the importance of every score. Charles, despite riding with a strapped arm due to a recent injury, shared his gratitude towards Maher and Brash for their support and guidance.
For Charles, this Olympic debut in Tokyo, following his father’s success in London, was a dream come true. Riding alongside his childhood idols and winning a gold medal with them was beyond his expectations. Brash humorously noted that he and Maher now felt like the “old veterans” compared to the younger Charles, who has already gained valuable experience at a young age.
Peter Charles, who played a supportive role behind the scenes with the GB team in Paris, expressed his pride in his son’s achievement. Reflecting on Harry’s performance, he mentioned the positive feedback from Nick Skelton, highlighting Harry’s potential for future success in the sport. The Charles family’s strong connection to showjumping, with Harry’s sisters also being riders, adds a personal touch to this remarkable Olympic victory.
Overall, Great Britain’s success in the Olympic equestrian showjumping team event not only showcases their talent and dedication but also highlights the camaraderie and legacy within the sport. The teamwork, resilience, and unwavering spirit of the riders have contributed to this historic win, leaving a lasting impact on the equestrian community.