Harry Charles, a rider for Team GB, shared on social media that he will not compete in the individual jumping final at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to his horse Romeo 88 having ‘suffered a minor overreach’.
At 25 years old, he had previously secured gold in the team jumping event in Paris alongside teammates Ben Maher and Scott Brash, and was set to compete on Tuesday in the individual final.
While Maher with Point Break and Brash with Jefferson will still take part in the event, Charles, who won a bronze at the 2022 World Championships, expressed a bit of disappointment but added that he was just grateful to leave Paris with a gold medal.
“Unfortunately, Romeo and I will not compete in the individual final today in Paris,” he announced via Instagram on Monday.
“Following a minor overreach yesterday, he isn’t quite at his usual 110 percent for the Games.”
“I might feel a bit let down, but honestly, not really. He has given me so much and has taken me far beyond my dreams. We’re leaving Paris with a gold medal and, most importantly, a happy Romeo, which is more than enough for me.”
“Team GB has a great chance for more medals today with two of the best in Scott and Ben, so we’ll be on the sidelines cheering them on.”
“Thanks to everyone for your support during the Games; it has been an unforgettable experience for both me and Romeo.”
Maher and Brash will still compete in the jumping final at 9:00 am BST, with Maher aiming to retain his gold medal title in the individual event after winning in Tokyo 2020 via a six-way jump-off.
In the equestrian team event, Charles and Romeo 88 had a flawless round, while Maher incurred one penalty and Brash also performed exceptionally well with just one time sanction.
This gold medal marked Charles’ first, and he expressed immense joy about his performance and that of his team.
“I’m pretty speechless, I need a few hours to process this,” Charles stated. “That was perhaps the best round of my life at such a significant moment in my career.”
“For both me and Romeo to excel on this grand stage at this time – we’ve put so much effort into reaching this point, and I’m incredibly proud of him.”
More updates to follow…
