Pan American Games jumping teams on the medals podium (left to right) Brazil silver, USA gold,Mexico bronze. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Oct. 27–The United States, gold medalists from the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, found themselves in the position of making a last ditch effort at the Pan American Games to qualify for the London Games in 2012.
They brought the best, and so did the other nations competing for a ticket to London or the glory of being on the medals podium at the world’s largest sporting event behind only the Olympics themselves.
Beezie Madden on Coral Reef Via Volo posted three clear rounds as anchor of the USA team and is at the top of individual rankings to be decided Saturday. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com McLain Ward, Beezie's team mate on two Olympic gold medal teams, on Antares F gave a display of what it means to be one of the best in the world. A speed competition that he described as "terrible" with two rails down was followed with two clear rounds in the team final competition that helped the USA claim gold and, remarkably, put him into third place individually. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
Christine McCrea on Romantovich Take One set the tone for the USA team with a clear round in the first qualifier that was beaten only be a team mate. She kept it up in the final two rounds with two more clears and is second individually. The character on the jump standard is enjoying her success. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
Agony! Venezuela was fighting to be one of three teams at the Pan American Games to gain entry to next year's Olympics but thie elimination of Pablo Barrios on G & C Quick Star was among the the rides that put them out of contention. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com Ecstasy! Alberto Michan on Rosalia La Silla after clinching the Pan American Games bronze medal for Mexico and a team place at next year's London Olympics. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com Rodrigo Cristian Carrasco on Or de l'Charboniere definitely gets the feeling that his Chilean team could come from behind and win a berth at the 2012 London Olympics. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
Rodrigo Pessoa was the pathfinder on HH Ashley but as one of the top riders with three World Cup titles and Olympic gold to his credit he showe how it's done. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com Cap'n Canada! Nine Olympics. A record eight Pan Am medals. Ian Millar on Star Power. At the young age of 64 the pair are seventh individually. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com Mexican crowd chering Antonio Maurer on Callao of their home team. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com
