ACOG - News - IBM

(1 August 1996; Day 13)

Jumping Medalists Compete in Pain

Germany's Franke Sloothaak on "Joly" jumps a fence 01 August during round one of the team jumping competition at the Georgia International Horse Park in Atlanta. (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) AFP-IOPP/Michael JUNG

Playing in pain is a part of life for most elite athletes. For Franke SLOOTHAAK of Germany, it was not part of the plan for these Olympic Games. On Thursday morning at the Georgia International Horse Park, SLOOTHAAK entered the ring as the first to compete for Germany in the team competition. The round did not go as expected.

SLOOTHAAK, the 1994 World Champion, and his horse Joly parted company on the course, resulting in two stitches for SLOOTHAK and forcing him to retire on course. "The fall was my fault," said SLOOTHAK. "I saw too big of a distance to the fence, and Joly put in an extra stride. I fell off, and the horse nicked me. A vein (in his right wrist) got broken, and the bleeding wouldn't stop. I had it stitched up, and it was fine." SLOOTHAK did receive two stitches from Medical Services, and recovered well enough to turn in Germany's only double-clear round of the second session.

On the other hand, Peter LEONE of the United States knew that if he was going to compete at the Centennial Games, it would have to be with a broken collarbone. LEONE broke the collarbone for the first time on 3 May, and re-broke it on 19 May. LEONE rode his first individual qualifying round on Monday without the assistance of painkillers. "I notice it," said LEONE, "but it's not a factor."

The team silver certainly helped to take LEONE's mind off of his shoulder, and it was quite a birthday present, as LEONE celebrated his 36th on Thursday. "Historically, I've never had great days on my birthday," said LEONE, "but this one will be worth celebrating." LEONE posted a score of four faults in the first session and a double-clear in the second. LEONE's status for Sunday's individual competition will be left up to U.S. chef d'equippes George MORRIS and Frank CHAPOT, as the United States qualified all four riders for the individual competition, and only three can advance.

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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