Brilliant bronze – and more to come

Britain’s success in Tokyo with three upcoming horses offers a taster of what’s still to come, while Germany claim gold – but change is afoot

- POLLY BRYAN

Olympic Games, Tokyo, Japan

THIS was always going to be an Olympics like no other. With a stadium devoid of crowds, a strange lockdown-riddled run-up and a brand-new format in place that many were still trying to get their heads around even as the competition began, the entire experience was undoubtedly surreal. But for the riders, this Games exceeded all expectations.

“The feeling before we came here was that it was going to be a difficult and different Olympics, and not a lot of fun. But it’s been an amazing experience for all of us,” said Britain’s Carl Hester, his hand resting on a bronze medal that speaks volumes for the calibre of British talent, both human and horse, and most of all, for what is yet to come.

Germany fulfilled all predictions by reclaiming team gold, but below the surface of their victory came a discernible shift in power, with Olympic first-timer Jessica von BredowWerndl leading the team to the top spot, backed up by world number one Isabell Werth and Dorothee Schneider.

Meanwhile, the fight for silver and bronze went right to the wire. The USA, Britain and Denmark traded places during the very final stages of the competition, and it was a massive new personal best for emerging American star Sabine Schut-Kery, plus uncharacteristic mistakes for Denmark’s leading lady Cathrine Dufour, that allowed the dust to settle on the USA in silver, Britain in bronze and Denmark in arguably the most damning position of all – fourth.