This is from AOL News:German gold medal team pose with their medals for the equestrian eventing competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong
German gold medal team (L-R) Peter Thomson, Andreas Dibowski, Hinrich Romeike, Ingrid Klimke and Frank Ostholt pose with their medals for the equestrian eventing competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong August 13, 2008. REUTERS/Caren Firouz (CHINA)
No, I'm not anti-American. Being of German heritage, and being a long time respectful fan of Dr. Reiner Klimke's talent in dressage, I was thrilled to see his daughter continuing the legacy of excellence in equestrian sport!!
3 comments:
I agree with you (also being of German descent), it is nice to see a Klimke in the winners circle. I'm not anti-American either, but the truth is the best team won. If the teams over here had the discipline and training that the European teams do then it might be a different outcome in the medal department.
I agree, grey horse. I also think the Europeans have something else over us, equestrian sport has always been important there. It's not like here where it's perceived as a snooty sport for the rich. Horses in sport has a history there that appeals to the general public as well as the equestrians.
30 years and 3 countries ago I was a groom in a jumping yard in Northern Germany. (FYI a huge percentage of the grooms running German yards are Brits.) The jumping circuit and dressage events were held at the same times and venues so whilst my boss didn't need me for warm-up or prep I would watch Dr. Klimke and others ride their turn. He came to our barn once to try a potential horse and I remember him smiling and telling me, with humour, "See, German horses can also go sideways!"
That was the year that the Russian Olympics were boycotted and many disappointed selectees went to Rotterdam instead. Livius with Peter Luthe was a great showjumper pair and ended up World Champ. It's not the same though. The Olympics are special and most horses lives don't stretch to multiple chances at that special Gold. Thanks for the memories.
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