A thrilling jump-off, Britain drops out and super Swedes take it: six key stories from the Tokyo team showjumping final

All six riders, from Sweden and the US, went clear in the jump-off thriller that decided the final equestrian Tokyo Olympic medals, the Olympic team showjumping final, today (7 August).

Having been just pipped to the individual gold this week, by Ben Maher and Explosion W, last to go Peter Fredricson and All In put in a superb round to clinch the Olympic showjumping team medal, building on fast clears from teammates Henrik von Eckermann (King Edward)  and Malin Baryard-Johnsson (Indiana).

• Find out how the medals were decided…

After the second round of riders in today’s competition, it was announced that Ben Maher and Explosion W would not come forward for Britain. As Holly Smith and Denver and Harry Charles on Romeo 88 had clocked up 24 faults between them, Britain was out of contention for medals so the decision was made to save Explosion for another day.

• Find out what Ben said about the joint decision…

Santiago Varela had created another very testing course, fittingly for the medal decider. With faults coming all over the course, and time-penalties aplenty, riders shared their thoughts on the challenge.

• Read what the Olympic showjumpers thought of today’s test…

The 14 fences were up to 1.65m in height, and 1.9m wide.

• Walk today’s course, and find out the symbolism of the design of each fence

Germany was one of only three countries to qualify for the final without a jumping fault. We spoke to Andre Thieme, who jumped the fastest of their three clears on DSP Chakaria.

• Read about the mare for whom Andre has been offered “life-changing’ sums, but who he loves too much to sell

H&H’s rider of the day came into today’s competition cold, having not jumped at this Games so far, on his second-choice horse and with taped-up broken ribs.

• Read what Harrie Smolders had to say about his “amazing” ride

You might also be interested in:

6 key stories from Tokyo Olympics team showjumping qualifier: shock exits, sensational Swedes and strong reaction to the new format

Olympic team showjumping gold and silver medals settled in dramatic jump-off

‘All you have to do is breathe on them’: riders reflect on Santiago Varela’s ‘tough’ Olympic showjumping team final course

New three-rider format causes ‘carnage’ in Olympic showjumping, say riders

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Eleanor Jones

H&H news editor

Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.