2004 Olympic Games - Eventing

Germany's Team Gold Uncertain!

by Astrid Appels

The news is pouring in that Germany's team gold medal is under dispute. The French have launched a protest that Bettina Hoy had a false start, and her ride should be disqualified. If this is true, Germany would be in fourth place and France would win the gold (and the U.S.A. the bronze).

Apparantly Hoy had a false start as she crossed the start line twice. The officials rang the bell on a very unfortunate moment that Hoy just rode over the start line while the time was not yet running. She made a circle and rode over the start line again, riding a clear course.

The judges and officials are still discussing this issue and the official results have now been labelled provisional.

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