The US equestrian, Kent Farrington, came fifth on Friday’s show jumping competition. The 35-year-old rider finished in the fifth place during the individual jumping competition at Rio Olympics Games.

Nick Skelton won the gold for Great Britain, while the Swedish equestrian, Peter Fredricson won the silver medal, and Eric Lamaze from Canada claimed bronze.

Kent Farrington finished in the fifth place during the individual jumping competition at Rio Olympics Games. Photo credit: Noelle Floyd
Kent Farrington finished in the fifth place during the individual jumping competition at Rio Olympics Games. Photo credit: Noelle Floyd

The American equestrian, who grew up in Lincoln Park, is ranked number 4 in the world and won silver alongside US equestrian team during Wednesday’s jumping team event.

Silver for Farrington in the four-person Show Jumping team event                               

Earlier this week, the Chicago-born rider won silver during the four-person showjumping team event at Rio Olympics. France earned the gold medal.

The US Show Jumping team was represented by Kent Farrington and Voyeur, Lucy Davis and Barron, McLain Ward and Azur, and Elizabeth Madden and Cortes ‘C,’ which earned a spot in the 2016’s podium and brought to the US its first title since 2008 Olympics. The US team defeated the Germans despite a last-minute scratch of a veteran American rider. The bronze went to Germany with eight penalties after a jump-off with Canada.

The US equestrian team won silver with five penalties, and the French won the gold medal with only three penalties. All-American teammates expressed satisfaction about their performances even if they were three riders instead of four as it was intended.

The four-time Olympian, Elizabeth Madden, withdrew from Wednesday’s competition because of a tendon injury on her horse Cortes ‘C.’ After Tuesday’s preliminary rounds, the 14-year-old horse suffered a ligament injury during and Madden decided not to participate at Wednesday’s event due to fears of exposing the gelding’s health.

Hence, with only three riders, the US team could consider the possibility of a drop score due to Madden’s absence. They did their best to make each rider’s three best scores count. Madden’s withdrawal also meant that the team had to go on the course without its longtime anchor.

“We did not really have an option. Elizabeth has been our anchor for the better part of a decade and her record of coming through in the clutch is second to none. But we thought we had a strong team, strong horses. And we thought the course was brilliant today,” stated U.S. rider, McLain Ward.

Farrington and his gelding ‘Voyeur’ started for the US team with a regular participation after clearing all the jumps. The US competitor said he was thrilled with his horse show during Wednesday’s competition.

According to Farrington, the triple combination section is what usually represents a challenge for horses, and he said he tried to prepare very well Voyeur to avoid possible risks or surprises during the event.

Wednesday’s silver medal was a terrific accomplishment for US equestrian team. In the words of Farrington, the fact of representing his country during his first Olympics and taking home a medal is an honor and a great ending.

Source: Chicago Tribune