Four years after winning gold in London 2012, British star Charlotte Dujardin won a second gold medal today, as the Olympic dressage came to a thrilling conclusion in Rio.
Dujardin and Valegro looked confident from the off as they performed their new Tom Hunt-composed routine. Valegro seemed as energetic and enthusiastic as he had at the start of his Rio journey, skipping joyfully through the required movements with ease.
Scores of 10s came in throughout the test, in particular for the flying changes and, in the collectives, for the ‘Harmony between horse and rider’ and the choreography.
Their score of 93.857% was only half a percent shy of their own world record, set at Olympia in 2014.
“It was truly magical. I knew he couldn’t have done any more, he literally felt like he had done his very best; that last centre line, he just tried so hard,” said Charlotte.
“I know I’ve done my best and he’s done his. It was an amazing feeling in there, I had a really lovely time. I thought I’ve got to go and enjoy it, I felt like he really looked after me out there. I’ve only ridden that floor plan once; I’ve altered a few bits and pieces, I hadn’t even practiced some of the bits I did before today.”
Taking home the individual silver medal was Germany’s Isabell Werth and Weihegold Old. The pair had led the standings after the Grand Prix Special on Friday, but today’s score of 89.071% wasn’t enough to catch the British pair. But the multiple-Olympic champion was magnanimous in defeat.
“I knew Charlotte had 93 or 94 per cent, and Germany already won team gold, so with silver today I couldn’t ask for more. I really enjoy competing against the best, that’s what makes us all better, and Charlotte and Valegro really deserve this,” said Isabell.
In bronze was Kristina Broring-Sprehe, who scored 87.142% with Desperados FRH.
Just missing out on the medals was the USA’s Laura Graves, who produced a very good score of 85.196% with Verdades. Carl Hester and Nip Tuck were seventh on 82.553%, while Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia were 17th.
Team GB’s showjumpers are back in action tomorrow, with the start of two days of competition that will eventually decide the team medals.