Centerline Goes to the Olympics:
An Amateur Rider's Journal by Maureen Crump

They Will Come

If you build it, they will come. There may have been some doubt, but the world has come to Athens, and from the happy spectators having the time of their lives--myself included--we are so glad we have come!

In a way all of us in Athens are engaged in sport. Finding and traveling to the venues is a sport in itself. It is not competitive and no medal is awarded but it definitely involves plenty of walking, stepping, and yes they see you sweat. You feel a camraderie with all the Games' attendees. My first day at the dressage venue I left the apartment at 6:45. I took a long subway ride followed by a bus ride to the venue. It took 1 1/2 hours in travel time --all the way festive and everyone on the way to the Equestrian Venue talking to each other about the teams and their own horses. Polite, kind security was obvious. Everything carried in to the venue was put through x-ray and all entering passed through a metal detector. It was handled smoothly and efficiently.

And so goes group 1 for the Grand Prix. Our Lisa Wilcox drew the first slot and had to christen the arena open for the Olympics. Although she may wish her score could be higher, her contribution to our team as the first to test the water is a daunting acheivement. It felt as if everyone was getting used to the venue and to the fact that this was the Olympics--riders and spectators alike. So, it probably was a slight disadvantage to ride the first day. As the riders and spectators seemed to be "feeling their way", so too the judges seemed reserved in their scoring this first day.

Guenter Seidel gave Aragon a confident ride guiding the young horse through their first world class level competition. Only Guenter can start a horse at the top! They were able to show off their very excellent piaffe. He finished with a 69.500, a significant team contribution score earned on this more difficult first day of competition.

The final scores at the end of the day showed the changing face of international dressage. Rafael Soto of Spain topped the leader board this day much to everyone's delight. It seems the sport of dressage is officially recognizing that excellent riding and excellent horses come in a variety. The second and third finishers were Herbertus Schmidt and Heike Kemmer of Germany and in fourth was Carl Hester of Great Britain. The team ranking was Germany, first; USA, second; Netherlands, third; Spain, fourth; and Great Britain, fifth. I think this reflects that throughout the world the sport of dressage is more popular and competitive than ever.

The venue is very friendly for spectators and competitors. The footing appears excellent and I was told by one very close to a competitor that indeed the footing is very good. There are several warm up arenas right outside the competition arena leading to the competition arena in-gate. I was able to see a view of the barns from the top of the stands and they looked large and comfortable. The view from the stands is excellent. I have actually met many American spectators who have made the trip to Athens. The Dutch have a large contingent all dressed in the same orange shirts and hats supporting their team. There is much cheering and flag waving after each ride.

The USEF in conjunction with other international horse organizations provided a hospitality tent, "International Friends and Followers", which provided a place to relax with air conditioning, food and drink, and closed circuit coverage. It is a wonderful place to meet other Americans and follow the action. Also, if you watch closely you will catch sight of the US dressage stars.

After the dressage competition it was on to the general Olympics. Everyone is traveling to all the venues using the transportation systems built by Greece just for these games. We travel about by high speed subway, high speed train, trams, busses and feet. Sometimes there is moderate traffic and you might sit down but if you are on the tram just before a basketball game begins--it is a sardine can! But it is great because everyone is talking and laughing together from all the countries of the world. There is a feeling that we are all together as one festive group traveling together around Athens.

The venues are located all around Athens. Several are right along the Mediteranean coast and the tram traverses from one end of the coast to the other all day long. Spectators can see an event and then go to the next stop for some beach fun and food and drink. You can imagine the party going on by each evening. It is really a cafe society. There is no limit to the number of cafes to stop and sit and havecoffee while you wander about. Everyone is out of doors strolling the streets. Every couple of blocks you come upon a plaza where people gather and visit. The food has been excellent from grilled fresh fish, delicious Greek salads, and authentic souvlaki and gyros.

The citizens of Athens have been so helpful and friendly. They have scores and scores of volunteers working the games. They all wear an Olympics uniform and are available for any question you may have and are seen in frequency from one end of the city to the other. They are competent and have a gentle air about them. They are very proud of their country and their Olympic effort. They have a beautiful culture that I am so fortunate to experience. I am so glad I decided to come to Athens!