Disappointment for Irish duo in Olympic Show Jumping individual final as Germany’s Kukuk takes Gold
Ireland’s equestrian campaign at the Olympic Games in Paris came to a close today, with disappointment at the finish for Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Daniel Coyle in the individual Show Jumping final. The Irish pair had qualified for the final in some style on Monday after both jumping clear, however the final ultimately proved a step too far after a week of tough jumping.
Derry’s Daniel Coyle and Legacy were the third last combination to jump in the decider and were clear over the early part of the course. However, after jumping three clear rounds earlier in the week, Legacy appeared to tire midway through the course and after picking up 16 faults, Coyle made the decision to retire.
Speaking afterwards Coyle said: “Unfortunately we picked the worst day not to jump clear. We saw the world number one come off his horse in spectacular fashion, that just showed that the Olympics is a different game, but I’m very happy and proud of how we performed. It’s just the end of the week, we were all tired and there wasn’t much left to give.”
Cork’s Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz (ISH) were second last to go and would finish with 12 faults which left them in 22nd place overall.
Afterwards Sweetnam said: He (James Kann Cruz) tried his best but I’d say the tank was a little bit empty after four big rounds in six days. He got a second wind and finished the course brilliantly, I’m very proud of him and our entire team. He’s done us proud and hopefully we’ll be back again in Los Angeles
“The course was the biggest I’ve ever seen and 15 jumps, which I’ve never seen before. The course designer obviously did a great job as there were just three people (in a jump-off) for the medals which is great sport and exactly what you’d expect in an Olympic final.”
Just three combinations jumped clear in the first round of the final and it was Germany’s Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 who were crowned the new Olympic Individual Champions, taking the gold medal with the only double clear. Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme took the individual silver medal with 4 faults in the jump-off in 38.38 seconds, while the bronze medal went to The Netherlands Maikel Van Der Vleuten and Beauville Z with 4 faults in 39.12.
On Friday at the Games, the Irish Show Jumping team of Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle and Cian O’Connor finished in seventh place overall in the team Show Jumping competition in Paris where Great Britain won the gold medal.
BREEDING
James Kann Cruz (ISH) – 2013 gelding by Kannan out of CSF Telly Cruz by Cruising, bred by Patrick Connolly owned by Gizmo partners LLC. Ridden by Shane Sweetnam.