(Versailles) Christian Kukuk was flawless on his way to winning the gold medal in the men’s individual show jumping at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, further adding to Germany’s medal haul in equestrian sports.
It was the 34-year-old Kukuk’s first Olympic medal. He was first out on the course in the final and made no mistakes with his horse Checker 47 en route to a time of 38.34 seconds.
“I’m so happy and so proud. Not many people have won a gold medal, and I’m one of them. It’s going to take me a little while to realize all this,” Kukuk said. “I’ll still be able to enjoy this moment.”
The German rider’s performance upset the next two participants in the final, the Dutchman and bronze medallist at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Maikel van der Vleuten, as well as the champion of the London Games in 2012, the Swiss Steve Guerdat.
Guerdat and his horse Dynamix De Belheme took silver with a time of 38.38 seconds, followed by Van der Vleuten and Beauville Z in 39.12. Both riders were given a penalty for hitting a barrier.
For his part, the 59-year-old rider Mario Deslauriers, from Venise-en-Québec, and his horse Emerson finished 18the rank.
PHOTO MOSA’AB ELSHAMY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mario Deslauriers
World champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden was one of the favourites before the start of the event, but he was eliminated after falling from his horse, King Edward. His horse remained on its feet, and von Eckermann was uninjured.
Germany completed the equestrian sports programme at the Paris Games with four gold medals and one silver.
With contributions from The Canadian Press