2002 World Equestrian Games

Lang Wins His Second World Championship Medal

Matthias Lang, 25, displayed athleticism and grace as he earned the gold in the men's competition. Representing France, he was first in both rounds, ending with 8.901.

In Round 1 compulsories, Lang was the 30th to go of the 30 men, earning 8.728. His scores in Round 2 averaged 9.024. He vaulted on the Selle Francais gelding Farceur Breceen*HN, with the longeur, Marina Joosten Dupon. "This competition is very important, and the horse is a very important part," he said. "If the horse is not going, the vaulting is not winning a medal." He compared the training of a vaulting horse to that of a dressage horse. "You have to do cavalettis on the longe, and ride him for an uphill canter. Like a dressage horse, he has to have a fast back leg. If he canters too slow, it's more difficult."

Lang has ridden since age 11, and 1992 was his first appearance at a World Championship. In the last three World Championships, he has bested German vaulters. He was silver to Maitozo's gold in Rome (1998).