Paris Olympics 2024: Equestrian veteran Christopher Burton wins silver medal in Individual Jumping final
Australian Christopher Burton has completed an epic comeback, scoring a silver medal in the Equestrian Individual Jumping final.
Having once given up the sport, Burton was full of emotion as he produced a centimetre-perfect final day to earn a spot on the medal podium.
Going second-last in the final jump, Burton and his mount, Shadow Man, just needed a clean run to put themselves in contention.
And he delivered the goods, not registering a single penalty to jump into the lead with one rider to go.
However, as it did for Australia’s flag bearer Jess Fox in the Kayak final on day two, it came down to a German champion to decide Burton’s fate.
With the entire arena looking on, Michael Yung held his nerve, dashing the Aussie’s hopes of gold.
Burton showed nothing but grace post-event, crediting Yung’s brilliance and heaping praise on his horse.
“We did everything we could, so we’re gonna sleep well tonight,” he told Channel 9.
“For a second, we sort of hoped we had the gold there, but it wasn’t our day, and well done, Micky, he’s the greatest of all time.
“A tough competition and delighted to go well. The horse is just wonderful.
“It hasn’t sunk in. You sort of keep your head down and try to stay focused on the job at hand, but I’m sure it will later on.
Camera IconChristopher Burton and horse Shadow Man of Team Australia clear a hurdle during the Equestrian Eventing Individual Cross Country leg. Credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images
“It’s a dream come true. I don’t know what happens when you get older; you get emotional all of a sudden, but we’re going back to see our family, and I can’t wait.”
Burton scored no penalties in the Cross Country leg of the event as well and was deducted 0.40 in the first run alongside 22.00 in the dressage.
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