Show jumpers win TO2015 gold and collect Olympic berth

Canada’s show jumpers won the team event to pick up the country’s first equestrian gold medal of TO2015 and secure Olympic qualification.

Yann Candele riding Showgirl, Tiffany Foster on Tripple X III, Eric Lamaze guiding Coco Bongo, and Ian Millar saddled on Dixson finished today’s two rounds with seven team penalties. This put them one step ahead of Argentina which finished with eight and also earned an Olympic berth. The United States, already qualified for Rio 2016, won the bronze medal with 12 penalties.

The Canadians cleaned up big time in round two, sitting third after the first round with six team penalties. “We were in a bit of trouble after the first round especially needing it for the Olympics (qualification) but we rallied together and that’s what team effort is all about. For me it means everything,” said Lamaze.

List: #TeamCanada equestrian athletes

The internationally experienced group included 10-time Olympian Ian Millar, Beijing 2008 Olympic champion Eric Lamaze, and Foster who went to London 2012. In his 10th Pan Am Games appearance, Millar now has 10 career medals, including four gold.

“Moments like this you remember forever. I love the group we have gotten together.” – Eric Lamaze

The equestrian team now has five medals with two silver and two bronze from the earlier dressage and eventing competitions. Individual show jumping is all that is left, concluding on Saturday.