The U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team achieved a landmark victory at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, clinching their first-ever team gold medal in the sport. This triumph represents a significant milestone for the team, which has steadily risen in the ranks, following their bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The team was composed of Rebecca Hart on Floratina (Grade III), Fiona Howard on Diamond Dunes (Grade II), and Roxanne Trunnell on Fan Tastico H (Grade I). Together, they delivered an outstanding combined score of 235.567%, the highest ever recorded in Paralympic para-equestrian history.
Fiona Howard set the stage with an exceptional score of 80%, the highest individual score of the Games, solidifying the team’s leading position. Rebecca Hart followed with a personal best of 78.567%, securing the U.S. spot at the top. Roxanne Trunnell, who started the team’s performance, contributed a solid score of 77.000%, establishing a strong foundation for the team’s success.
The Netherlands, the reigning World champions, finished in second place with a silver medal, while Germany took home the bronze. Sixteen teams competed in the event, which was held at the historic Palace of Versailles. The U.S. team’s win was the culmination of a closely fought contest with the Dutch, who were strong contenders throughout the day.
Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline, who has been pivotal in guiding the team’s development, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that this victory was the result of years of meticulous planning, training, and teamwork.
As the Paralympic para-equestrian events draw to a close, the U.S. team’s historic win not only cements their status as top competitors but also signals a bright future for the U.S. Para Dressage Program. The final event, the Freestyle competition, will give the top individual riders one last opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for medals.
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