DressageDaily: Germany Wins Olympic Team Gold, Spain Claims Silver, Bronze for the U.S.A

Saturday August 21, 2004

Germany Wins Olympic Team Gold, Spain Claims Silver, Bronze for the U.S.A

Germany won once again team gold at the Olympic Games. With an average score of 74.653%, Germany was the undisputed winner in the nations competition. Ulla Salzgeber rode a phenomenal score of 78.208% and is leading in the individual standing.

Spain won the silver medal after a brilliant ride from Beatriz Ferrer Salat. Spain won its first Olympic medal with a team score of 72.917, pushing the United States back to bronze.

All four Spanish riders had the ride of their lives, said trainer Jean Bemelmans who has worked with Spain since its Olympic debut with Spanish horses in 1996.

The United States claimed again bronze as they did in Sydney four years ago. Top-scoring rider for the United States was Debbie McDonald with her mare Brentina, who worked together better than ever and showed what harmony truly means.

Ulla SALZGEBER (GER) - Team Gold medallist comments:

On the medal:

"We were sure we would get it. We came here, we said we will fight for it and we got it. We have a very good Team that worked and trained altogether. We rode well and I think all these are the reasons for our success."

On her performance:

"I don't think that I improved from previous Games. I only didn't make mistakes this time. I believe that the other thing that contributed to my success is that RUSTY likes the heat. I like the place here and we both feel like home."

On her horse RUSTY and on her future plans with him:

"For the moment I'm interested in the nearest future and this is the Individual competition here on Monday. After that, I hope we have a safe trip home and then we will see what we are going to do. I don't know if I will be in the World Cup, or what I will do with RUSTY. I want to finish with the Olympic Games here in Athens and then we will see."

On the Individual Competition on Monday:

"I will try to ride as I did today."

Source: www.olympics.com

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