US Equestrian Team Suffers a Huge Blow at Tokyo Olympics 2020 as Team Member Withdraws

The list of dressage riders withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics despite reaching Tokyo received its latest addition earlier today. After South Africa’s Tanya Seymour and Sweden’s Patrik Kittel, American equestrian rider Nick Wagman joined this list.

An injury to his horse Don John forced Wagman to withdraw his participation as a travelling alternate for USA’s dressage team.

Team USA issue statement regarding the withdrawal of Nick Wagman and Don John from the Tokyo Olympics

While the 48-year-old ranks #67 in the world in dressage, he came to Tokyo on the back of strong performances. Along with Don John, Wagman achieved great success this year, finishing second in the Grand Prix Special in May.

However at Tokyo, Don John suffered an injury during training that ruled the 13-year-old horse out of the Games. Hence, Wagman had no choice but to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics as well.

Earlier today, Team USA released an official statement on the pair’s withdrawal from the Games. The statement read, “After arriving safely at the venue in Tokyo, Don John sustained a minor injury.

“He has continued to show improvement, but after further evaluation with the team veterinarian, the decision was made to withdraw him before the start of competition out of extraordinary precaution, and though it is believed he would have passed the horse inspection if presented, the team felt that he should not be considered to compete to ensure he has the proper time to fully heal.”

Swedish Equestrian Rider Forced to Withdraw From Tokyo Olympics 2020

Team USA will present the selected team combinations at Tokyo

The delegation completed their statement by admitting the three combinations selected earlier will remain the same. The three riders in the team are Adrienne Lyle, Steffen Peters and Sabine Schut-Kery.

“The team will present the three selected team combinations of Adrienne Lyle and Salvino, Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper, and Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo.”

Earlier today, the three riders completed their first horse inspection. Although a re-inspection will take place tomorrow at 9:30am local time, they look set to perform in the dressage team event beginning at 5:00pm local time. In addition, Team USA didn’t make any announcements on sending another reserve to Tokyo.

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