2004 U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team to Receive Gold Medals ~ Chris Kappler to be Awarded Individual Silver in Wellington, FL, February 5

Lexington, KY – Following a star-studded performance that warmed our hearts at the Athens Olympic Games more than a year ago, U.S. Show Jumpers Chris Kappler, Beezie Madden, McLain Ward and Peter Wylde will finally be awarded their Olympic Gold medals at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 5th, just before the Gold Coast Jumper Classic Grand Prix at Circuit Finale in Wellington, Florida. In addition, Chris Kappler will be officially awarded the Individual Silver.

“This is truly something for all of equestrian sport in our country to celebrate,” said United States Equestrian Federation President, David J. O’Connor. “This is not merely a victory for the U.S. Show Jumping Team from Athens. This is a victory for each and every one of us who loves horse sport. These four athletes and their four equally incredible horses made us all proud at the 2004 Olympic Games. They represented our country well, and we’re thrilled that they’ll now have the opportunity to wear the Gold medals they’ve worked so hard for.”

Chris Kappler and Royal Kaliber, Beezie Madden and Authentic, McLain Ward and Sapphire, and Peter Wylde and Fein Cera brought home their hard-earned Silver medals from the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004. Now, following a 2005 decision by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), their Silver medals will be replaced with Gold in a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony and celebration. Likewise, Kappler’s Bronze medal will be replaced with Silver, again following the decision by the FEI and IOC.

The Team Gold medals and Individual Silver medal will be awarded by 1984 U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team members Conrad Homfeld, Joe Fargis and Leslie Howard, along with USEF President and Olympic Gold medal eventing athlete David O’Connor.

Following the Grand Prix, fans will be able to meet our Olympic athletes, and have the opportunity to get a souvenir photo autographed.

For more information, please contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager, on (859) 225-6974 or via e-mail at Sarah.Lane@usef.org. USEF press releases can be found on our website, www.usef.org.