2002 World Equestrian Games

The Americans Join Germany and Holland on the Medal Podium

The Cones Make the Choice

But then Jimmy showed he has what it takes and he came back and put in a totally clear cones. That was great for the team. It meant they had one clear round in the bag and that took a little pressure off his teammates.

But his teammates didn't need his help as they both negotiated clear rounds within the time allowed and secured their Team Silver Medal. The Dutch had performed equally as well and were solid for the Gold. Now the fight for the Individual Title and for the Bronze Medal position was still going on.

Ericksson who had 135,67 points dropped one ball and raised his score to 140,67 since Tucker was 143,19 and Weber 143,33 he was sure of a medal. Then Sandmann was clear but accumulated 2 time faults, and at 137,57 he had nailed down at least a Silver. And now it was up to Chardon.

It didn't take long for the crowd to witness why this man had many times taken the title of World Champion years ago as he demonstrated the skills of his trade. After passing the last cone clear and within the time allowed he yelled, he punched the sky, he hugged the others on the carriage with such emotion and then he shed a few tears. He'd accomplished it again, the title that he'd won back in 1990. He was truly a happy man. So, a Dutchman, a German and a Swede would claim the Individual Medals at these World Equestrian Games. And the U.S. Team of Johnson, Weber and Fairclough would bring home the first ever Team World Championship Silver Medal.