U.S. Jumps Off For Olympic Gold and Wins!
By Marnye Langer

The gold medal for the team show jumping gold medal came down to a jump-off between the United States and Canada. With Mac Cone sidelined, the Canadians would have to count all three of their rider’s scores, and the U.S. had the luxury of a drop score due to their full, four member team.

Early on, the Canadian Jill Henselwood accrued four faults, and both MacLain Ward and Laura Kraut jumped clear. Will Simpson, the third U.S. rider also put in a fault free round and clinched the gold medal for the United States. Beezie Madden did not have to jump off, and Ian Millar chose to save his horse for his score could not change the outcome.
Diana DeRosa photo

The U.S. riders stood atop the medal podium as the "Star Spangled Banner" played in Sha Tin Stadium. The Canadians proudly showed off their silver medals, and Norway finished in Bronze. North American riders virtually shut out the strong European countries, and Germany did not even finish in the medals.

The Individual Championship is next, and MacLain Ward sits among the very top going into the final two rounds. However, the top twenty-five riders all start fresh and only the order of go is influenced by previous standings. Laura Kraut easily made the top 25, and Beezie Madden edged fellow teammate Will Simpson as the third U.S. rider for the Individual Championship.