Gold for Uruguay and Farewell to Singapore!

Individual Medalists
L-R: Mario Gambao (COL) silver,
Marcelo Chirico (URU) gold and
Dlama Rushdi H Malhas (KSA) bronze

The equestrian competitors from 31 countries
- role models for the next generation of young riders!

The grand finale to the equestrian events - the Individual Jumping Competition final round - has been held and won, in what was yet another day of nail-bitingly entertaining jumping! Spectators simmered in the cauldron-like arena, as they awaited the first rider and the atmosphere only got hotter as the morning progressed - it was a scorching day inside and outside of the stadium!

After many riders came to grief at a tricky liverpool, effective clear rounds were produced today by Matin Fuchs (SUI), Abduladim Mlitan (LBA), Mahomad Alanzarouti (SYR), Abdurahman Al Marri (QAT), Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA), as well as Marcelo Chirico (URU) and Mario Gamboa (COL) who had also jumped clear in the first round. This meant it certainly was South America’s day, with two riders jumping off for the gold and silver medals.

Medal favourite, Thomas McDermott (AUS) rode an extremely smooth and balanced round but faulted at the second last fence. Samantha McIntosh (RSA) also produced an excellent round but unfortunately had a rail down at the 10th fence. These two riders were eligible for the jump off for the bronze medal, with the other riders on 4 penalties, who included Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA), Abdurahman Al Marri (QAT), Wojciech Dahlke (POL) and Mohamad Alanzarouti (SYR).

Gold Medalist Marcelo Chirico (URU)
triumphant after this clear round

As there were six athletes jumping off for a bronze medal, the excitement was considerable, with riders speeding up and cutting corners in a bid for the fastest time. After the dust settled, it was Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA), riding a tight course for a faultless clear and the fastest time - on Australian Paint horse, Flash Top Hat - who secured the bronze medal.

Marcelo Chirico (URU) was first in to jump off for the gold and silver medals and once again his skilful riding and harmonious partnership with Links Hot Gossip, produced a smooth clear round. Mario Gamboa (COL) and LH Titan were next to jump and faulted at the second fence, which placed them in the silver medal position.

The winners were elated with their success and the great slaps of joy given to their horses and huge grins showed how important it was to them to become Youth Olympic Games medalists. Gold medalist, Marcelo Chirico (URU) commented, "“I was so happy to win today! I never imagined I would be a Youth Olympic Games Champion! Now I am hoping one day I can be an Olympic champion, maybe in London or Rio? My horse jumped very well today. He was careful and wanted to help me. He was excellent! I would really like to say thanks to my family and my coach and everybody who has supported me here at the Youth Olympic Games.”

Bronze Medalist, Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA) and
Australian Paint Horse, Flash Top Hat, showing great style
and looking picture perfect during their clear round

Everyone involved with organising the equestrian events is ecstatic about how the events have progressed over the past week and are thrilled with the bonds that have developed, not just between horse and rider combinations, but also between competitors from all over the world. These positive relationships, forged by Olympic fire, will hopefully go on throughout their lives.

SYOGOC Venue Manager, Jeremy Edwards bonding with
Sultan Al Tooqi (OMA)

Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee representative, Jeremy Edwards, said of the equestrian events, "it was more than I could have expected. The venue was wonderful, the contractors and volunteers had put so much into the event, it all paid off. The whole workforce really felt part of something special, this has undoubtably done wonderful things for the sport. It was amazing to see the focus of the young riders develop. London and Rio watch out!"

Mario Gamboa (COL) and LH Titan proudly enter the arena

to recieve the silver medal

Soon, once the riders have dispersed to their various parts of the world and the horses have moved to their new homes in Singapore, all that will remain of the first ever Youth Olympic Games, will be echoes of the cheering crowds and hoof prints in the sand. However, the horses, now forever famous to the people of their new home, will be a lasting legacy to Singapore and all the riders, not only those who took home an Olympic medal, will be able to look back on this wonderful event with fond memories. The 31 riders who took part in this historic event should be exceptionally proud and are stars in the eyes of the wider FEI family.

Glen Haven Park grooms Jacobine van Gijn (NED),

Nyssa Carter (NZL) and Rachel Berry (AUS), are feeling

very emotional, along with everyone else on the Glen Haven Team,

about parting with the horses they have loved and cared for

over the past year. These horses have been their life

and not seeing them every day will be very difficult
for everyone. "We will miss them so much!"
chorused the girls.

Samantha McIntosh (RSA) still joyous with Little Miss Sunshine's performance, despite just missing out on the bronze medal

The competitors who competed here in Singapore, are now role models for 13 and 14 year old riders across the world, who will be inspired to work on their skills and abilities, in an attempt to represent their country at Nanjing in 2014!

Don't forget the closing deadline for FEI Awards is 30 August, visit the

FEI website to make your nominations!

Carian Scudamore (GBR) and Equestrian Athlete Role Model Lisen Bratt Fredricson (SWE) enjoying
today's jumping. Carian unfortunately missed the individual competition
after her horse was lame on Saturday, however rightly so, following her great rounds
to clinch gold for Team Europe last week, she's still smiling!

Riders, Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA),

discussing the course this morning

Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) a member of the gold medal winning European team, is another rider to watch out for in the future

Thomas McDermott (AUS) and Hugo jumping yet another stylish fence.  This certainly won't be the last we see of Tom!

Marcelo Chirico (URU) and his Chef d'Equipe - thrilled after winning the first ever, Youth Olympic Games Individual Jumping Competition, gold medal. Marcelo now has his sights firmly set on London and Rio.

FEI Director of Corporate Communications, Richard Johnson and FEI YOG Press Rep, Jo Johnson, signing off from Singapore!