Christian Kukuk claimed Individual gold for Germany in a thrilling finale to Olympic Jumping at the Paris 2024 Games in Versailles (FRA) today riding the 14-year-old gelding Checker 47. Image: Michelle Terlato Photography.
The jumping is wrapping up in Paris – what will I watch now?
The final night of the Individual Jumping at the Paris Olympic Games delivered an unforgettable spectacle of skill, bravery, and drama. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Palace of Versailles, the world’s top riders competed for the ultimate prize in sport, an Olympic Gold.
The course, once again designed by Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo, proved to be a formidable challenge, demanding precision, agility, and sheer determination.
Christian Kukuk and Checker 47: Golden Performance
Christian Kukuk claimed Individual gold for Germany in a thrilling finale to Olympic Jumping at the Paris 2024 Games in Versailles (FRA) today riding the 14-year-old gelding Checker 47.
Only three horse-and-rider combinations cleared the massive 15-fence first-round course designed by Spain’s Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo from France and, first to go against the clock, 34-year-old Kukuk threw down another superb clear round to set the target at 38.34 seconds.
Tokyo 2020 individual bronze medallists Maikel van der Veuten and Beauville Z from The Netherlands followed with a fence down in 39.12, so it was left to the 2012 Olympic Champion Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and his mare Dynamix de Belheme, to challenge the German leader for the title.
But a pole down at the penultimate vertical in 38.38 seconds saw him having to settle for silver ahead of van der Vleuten who took bronze once again. This was Germany’s sixth time to take Individual Olympic Jumping gold
Heartbreaks and Highlights
Julien Epaillard of France, riding Dubai Du Cedre, narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth with just 4 faults. Dubai Du Cedre fought hard for a clear the entire round, with Martin Gostelo sharing “4 faults is really not fair, this mare so deserved to go clear.”
Shane Sweetnam of Ireland and James Kann Cruz faced a challenging round around the maximum height course, ending with 12 faults. Similarly, Daniel Coyle and Legacy did not have their ideal ride, resulting in retirement.
In what was another surprise of the night, reigning world number one Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward (Sweden) faced an unexpected dismount, ending their Championships early. Both Henry and King Edward walked out of the arena with no injury.
Final Standings
- Christian Kukuk (GER) on Checker 47 – Gold Medal
- Steve Guerdat (SUI) on Dynamix De Belheme – Silver Medal
- Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) on Beauville Z – Bronze Medal
- Julien Epaillard (FRA) on Dubai Du Cedre – 4 faults, 79.18 seconds
- Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) on Primavera – 4 faults, 80.07 seconds
- Scott Brash (GBR) on Jefferson – 4 faults, 81.23 seconds
- Max Kühner (AUT) on Elektric Blue P – 4 faults, 81.29 seconds
- Laura Kraut (USA) on Baloutinue – 4 faults, 81.61 seconds
- Ben Maher (GBR) on Dallas Vegas Batilly – 4 faults, 81.70 seconds
- Martin Fuchs (SUI) on Leone Jei – 4 faults, 82.21 seconds
- Ramzy Al Duhami (KSA) on Untouchable 32 – 4 faults, 82.73 seconds
- Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on Zineday – 5 faults, 84.14 seconds
- Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) on Ventago – 6 faults, 85.68 seconds
- Harrie Smolders (NED) on Uricas V/D Kattevennen – 6 faults, 85.75 seconds
- Gregory Wathelet (BEL) on Bond Jamesbond De Hay – 8 faults, 78.76 seconds
- Karl Cook (USA) on Caracole De La Roque – 8 faults, 79.72 seconds
- Simon Delestre (FRA) on I Amelusina R 51 – 8 faults, 81.25 seconds
- Mario Deslauriers (CAN) on Emerson – 8 faults, 82.64 seconds
- Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE) on Enjoy De La Mure – 8 faults, 83.38 seconds
- Gilles Thomas (BEL) on Ermitage Kalone – 8 faults, 83.95 seconds
- Emanuele Camilli (ITA) on Odense ODeveld – 12 faults, 81.08 seconds
- Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on James Kann Cruz – 12 faults, 82.03 seconds
- Kim Emmen (NED) on Imagine – 12 faults, 83.52 seconds
- Victoria Gulliksen (NOR) on Mistral Van De Vogelzang – 13 faults, 84.83 seconds
- Jose Maria Larocca (ARG) on Finn Lente – 20 faults, 81.82 seconds
Part source: FEI
The jumping is wrapping up in Paris – what will I watch now?
