Friday, November 3rd, 2023.- Brazilian Stephan de Freitas won the gold medal in the individual equestrian jumping competition on a day when Colombia, Argentina, and Chile secured spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

At the Escuela de Equitación Regimiento Granaderos de Quillota, De Freitas claimed first place with 8.4 penalty points. The silver and bronze medals went to the United States, with Kent Farrington (9.64 points) and Mclain Ward (15.34 points) respectively.

The final was not without controversy, as Canada protested a supposed scoring error for Amy Millar, who finished sixth. However, after lengthy deliberations, the judges upheld their decision, and the podium remained unchanged.

Another significant aspect of the event was the qualification of Colombia, Argentina, and Chile for the Olympic Games. The competition offered three spots, and since Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Mexico already had secured positions, those who finished behind them today earned their spots: Colombian Roberto Terán (seventh), Argentine José María Larocca (eighth), and Chilean Agustín Covarrubias (13th).

It's important to note that the qualification is by country, not by rider, so it doesn't necessarily mean that those who secured spots today will compete in Paris.

Returning to the competition, the winner, Brazilian De Freitas, said, "It's an incredible feeling. Winning this kind of championship is a dream come true. I couldn't be happier, and I'm going to celebrate a lot."

Written by Gonzalo Pérez; translated by Andrés Castro / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Miguel Campos / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport