The Tokyo Olympics 2021 is nearing and the US Equestrian has chosen its show jumping team. From former champions to a sparkling young talent, this team has the potential to repeat past success. McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Kent Farrington and Jessica Springsteen will head to Tokyo.
Three former Olympic medalists return to show jumping stage
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The US Equestrian teams at the Olympics have seen success, most of which has come from the show jumping team. In Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, the likes of McLain Ward, Laura Kraut and Kent Farrington dominated the field.
In 2008, Ward, Laura Kraut, Will Simpson and Beezie Madden clinched gold in the show jumping event. Not only did they dominate the field, they beat the legendary Ian Millar and Eric Lamaze from Canda. Although they didn’t repeat the feat in London 2012, they dominated the field in Rio.
In 2016, Kent Farrington, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward won the silver medal, losing out to the strong French team with Kevin Staut and Penelope Leprevost. While Staut and Leprevost return to the Olympics in Tokyo, one member of the US team withdrew from the Games. Beezie Madden, winner in 2004, 2008 and 2016, could not compete after a complication with her horse.
With Madden out, a young upstart named Jessica Springsteen filled the vacant spot. A former champion, Springsteen will be the focal point of the US show jumping team, majorly because of her father, Bruce. The daughter of the legendary musician will be hell bent on making a statement in her first Olympic appearance.
How high are the US showjumping athletes ranked ahead of Tokyo Olympics 2021?
Reuters
The Olympic Rings monument is seen outside the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) headquarters near the National Stadium, the main stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Tokyo, Japan June 23, 2021 on the day to mark one month until the opening of the Olympic Games. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Kent Farrington is the highest ranked member of the US show jumping team at #5. Behind the likes of Daniel Deusser and Ben Maher, a win in Tokyo would push him higher up the rankings. The 40-year-old will chase a second and third medal in Tokyo, having won silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
McLain Ward is the most decorated member of the US show jumping team, winning gold in 2004 and 2008, and a silver medal alongside Farrington in Rio. Standing at #9, her experience will be a massive factor as her team will bank on her to deliver on the Olympic stage.
Laura Kraut is the final former Olympian in the team. At #28, she’s fallen down the rankings quite a bit but remains a crucial member of the team. One spot above her is Springsteen at #27.
Read more: Tokyo Olympics 2021: Jessica Springsteen Qualifies for US Equestrian Show Jumping Team
