TRYON, United States, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Spearheaded by veteran rider and Olympic champion Rosalind Canter, Britain claimed both the individual and team titles in eventing competitions at the ongoing World Equestrian Games held in the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Monday.
Canter, riding her Allstar B, ultimately proved to be the star of a spectacular jumping show with a superb performance to win the individual gold and also inspire her country to win the team title.
"There were quite a few tears which really isn't very normal for me. It's absolutely incredible," said Canter, who entered the arena with Britain just 0.20 points ahead of Ireland, with teammates Tom McEwen and Piggy French both knocking down poles. "In the back of my mind I did know the team situation but I was just focused on my horse and my warm-up. You have to try and block that out."
Ireland, led by individual silver medalist Padraig McCarthy, broke records all over the place as they won a silver in team event which was their first team medal at a major equestrian event since 1966.
McCarthy's individual success was also the nation's first in 40 years.
"In a previous life I used to be a show jumper, so it gave me a lot of confidence," McCarthy said. "I have dreamt about it for the last six months, at least. With a horse like this you have to dream big."
Germany's Ingrid Klimke won a bronze in individual event, but she seemed quite happy with the result. She said: "If somebody had told me before I would come here and get individual bronze I would have been very happy. It was very close and for sure the first moment I was disappointed but the last fence was the only mistake that we did on the whole weekend."
Reigning Olympic team champions France took team bronze while Japan produced a stunning display to finish fourth overall, suggesting that the home nation could be one to watch at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in two years' time.
