(25 July 1996; Day 6)
Measures taken to account for the effect of Atlanta's July heat on the endurance course at the Centennial Olympic Games have proved to be an unqualified success. Competitors, veterinarians and competition officials have all been pleased with the endurance phase of the team and individual three day event.
Each of the four sections of the endurance phase were shortened to compensate for the anticipated heat. Phases A and C, which are completed at a trot, are normally 6,000 meters for A and 10,000 meters for C. For the Atlanta Olympic Games, each was shortened by 30 percent (3,500m and 7,700m), and two 10-minute halts were added to phase C. Phase B, the steeplechase course, was shortened from 3,450m to 2,760m, a change of 20 percent, and phase D, cross country, was shortened from 7,500m to 5,700m, a change of 23 percent.
The changes, particularly the halts on phase C, were welcomed by the riders. Five-time Olympian Bruce DAVIDSON, a member of the silver medal U.S. three day team, commented that "the two 10-minute halts were exceptional. My little horse (Heydey) wasn't even puffing after C. At the last hold, he was so fresh I had to warm him back up again. The research has been very worthwhile. It made (the endurance phase) safe."
At a news conference following the individual three day endurance phase on Thursday, Hugh THOMAS, an International Equestrian Federation (FEI) technical delegate for the Olympic Games, agreed. "We have completely proven over the last three days that we can and have run an extremely safe Olympic Games in a very difficult weather situation," THOMAS said. "The horses have been through all of it and we have results that are worthy of any Olympic competition that has ever been. We have adapted and changed and yet managed to not devalue the competition."
Medals were awarded for the team three day event on Wednesday, with Australia taking top honors. The individual three day event will conclude on Friday with Blyth TAIT and Ready Teddy of New Zealand entering the jumping phase with a 3.6-point lead over fellow Kiwi Sally CLARK on Squirrel Hill.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Amy H. Symons.
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| The Mother Nature was kind to Olympic athletes and spectators. The average high temperature during the Games was 89 degrees with an average low of 72 degrees. Highest temperature registered (20 July) - 99 degrees. Lowest high temperature registered is 79 degrees (28 July). |