Team GB Retains Olympic Eventing Gold in Paris

Team GB retained their Olympic team eventing title, securing their first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games with Laura Collett also claiming an individual bronze. Tokyo 2020 champions Collett and Tom McEwen joined by world number one Ros Canter, triumphed in the final showjumping stage at Chateau de Versailles. Team GB finished the three-day team competition with 91.30 penalties, 12.3 points ahead of host nation France while Japan took bronze.

Collett, riding London 52 delivered a penalty-free performance to clinch her second medal of the day in the jumping final, finishing behind German gold medallist Michael Jung and Australia’s Christopher Burton with McEwen placing fourth. This victory marked the team’s first back-to-back Olympic title since 1972. Collett, who nearly died in a fall in 2013, became the first British woman to win an individual eventing medal since 2008.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she credited her horse and team for the achievement, expressing gratitude for the years of hard work and dedication. The British trio led the standings into Monday’s jumping finale but saw their lead reduced during the cross-country discipline. Canter’s individual hopes were dashed after incurring penalties, dropping from sixth to 21st. Despite this, the team delivered a superb finish in the medal decider.

McEwen’s clean run solidified GB’s grip on gold and Collett the final rider secured the victory despite receiving penalty points. Her double medal feat came after overcoming life-threatening injuries sustained 11 years ago. Collett began the individual final in bronze position and maintained it despite flawless rounds by Jung and Burton, who held onto gold and silver, respectively.

Reflecting on the triumph, Collett called the Paris Games unforgettable, surpassing even Tokyo’s special moments.