Oliver Fletcher ©Matilde Tarchiani

On the very last day of the FEI Jumping European Championship for the Youth, British rider Oliver Fletcher delivered the performance of his career, securing the Young Riders individual gold medal. The victory marks a true milestone in Fletcher’s journey, as he adds to the history of British show jumping with his ninth European Championship appearance and sixth European medal.

Fletcher, riding Hello William, entered the final round of the competition in second position, trailing closely behind France’s Jules Orsolini. With an impeccable, flawless round, Fletcher’s outstanding performance guaranteed him a podium finish. The gold medal was confirmed minutes later when Orsolini, who had been in the lead, made an unfortunate fault on the wall, handing the top spot to Fletcher.

“It’s an emotional win for me and my family,” Fletcher shared. “My father couldn’t be able to be here for a week but he said if I was in a good position, he would have tried to come out. Our farrier back home, Andy, he was amazing, drove him out and they came for the day. It was unbelievable.”

Immense gratitude was shown to the owners too, “They are everything, without them I wouldn’t be where I am right now, sticking with me through the good and the bad. Hello William is the horse of a lifetime, I will never ride a horse like him again. We had a few bumpy riders along the way, but my god I have never ridden a horse that loves you as much and tries as much for you. Everything is down to the horse, and of course to the owners for sticking by me.”

At his fifth European Championship appearance and in his last year as a young rider, Jules Orsolini secured the bronze medal, narrowly missing out on gold. “It’s the life of a show rider; sometimes the poles stay up, sometimes they fall. I’m very happy for Ollie and proud of my horse, she jumped really well the whole week. It’s her third European Championship in a row and she has improved every year. I am really happy finishing like this,” Orsolini remarked.

Fifth European appearance too for Ireland’s Francis Derwin, key member of the Young Riders gold medal-winning team, who continued his clear round streak ending in a silver medal.

In a noteworthy performance, 2023 Junior Gold Medalist Anastasia Nielsen from Monaco, who decided to move up to compete in the Young Riders category one year ahead of time, barely missed the podium, finishing fourth.

For Fletcher, this victory is a perfect capstone to his career as a young rider. Looking ahead, he plans to enjoy the moment and is looking forward to what next year, and the senior category, has in store for him.

The final standings for the Young Riders Individual Competition are as follows:

1) Oliver Fletcher, GBR – Hello William 2.71-0-0-0-0/67.05

2) Francis Derwin, IRL – Flexi K 0.61-4-0-0-0/64.83

3) Jules Orsolini, FRA – Charlotte 198 1.48-0-0-0-4/64.76

Olivia Alvarez Garcia, Thijmne Vos, Ewen China   ©Sportfot

The 2024 Junior Jumping European Championship concluded with a stunning victory for Spain’s Olivia Alvarez García, who delivered flawless performances throughout the competition. Riding Gazquine Tag, the Spanish rider did not touch a single rail, securing her the gold medal and the title of 2024 Junior European Champion.

Despite a brief rain interruption, the event resumed under a beautiful sunset, setting the stage for the crowning of the champions.

Stellar Podium Performances

The silver medal was claimed by Thijmen Vos of the Netherlands, who rode Cadillac Z. When asked about his silver achievement, Vos emphasized the role his family played in his journey to the silver medal. 

“It’s amazing. You’re dreaming of it and then it happens. We have an amazing team, the whole family has been working together for a long time, doing everything we can. I have to thank the co-owner of Cadillac Z, A. Vos, and of course my father, grandfather, my trainer, my mother, just the whole family really. We worked so hard for this and then when it comes it’s just super”. The support from his family and the team was evident, proving that it truly takes a village to raise a champion.

France’s Ewen China took the bronze medal with Bacchus d’Ecames, demonstrating unbelievably steady nerves in challenging weather conditions. Commenting on his performance, China noted, “Did I think I was going to be on the podium before the final? You know, the horse was in good shape, in the team final he did well but the courses were technical and quite long. I was thinking maybe it is too much for him for his first European Championship but he kept jumping amazing, we only had one fault.”

Celebrating the Champions

Chef D’Equipe Reyes Martin expressed her pride in Olivia Alvarez García’s outstanding performance. “I am very proud of my rider, well done Olivia, and also to all the other riders, congratulations, great sport today. I think the course designers did a superb job with the courses this week, so thank you again for having us here.”

Final Results:

JUMPING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP KRONENBERG 2024

Juniors Individual Ranking:

1. Olivia Alvarez García, ESP – Gazquine Tag 0.24-0-0-0-0/65.55
2. Thijmen Vos, NED – Cadillac Z 2.11-0-0-0-0/68.17
3. Ewen China, FRA – Bacchus d’Ecames 1.13-0-0-4-0/68.68

The day concluded with heartfelt thanks to all participants, grooms, the public, and Junior Competition partner Stal Hendrix for their support and enthusiasm, proving once again that great things come after the rain.

As the 2024 Junior Jumping European Championship almost draws to a close, the achievements of these young riders inspire the next generation of equestrian talents, setting the stage for even greater competitions in the future.

Frencis Derwin, Max Wachman, Tom Wachman  ©Sportfot

Let’s not call it Irish luck. James Kernan’s Team defended the 2023 YR European Champion title with pure talent.

Yesterday’s win marks their second consecutive gold medal, demonstrating their unwavering dominance in their category.

James Kernan’s team, consisting of Max and Tom Wachman, Niamh McEvoy, Francis Derwin, and Rhys Williams, delivered an outstanding performance with clear and consistent rounds throughout the rounds. The team’s early lead and consistent execution made sure their victory was never in doubt.

With a clear advantage gained in the previous rounds, the Irish team could afford to leave some poles on the ground in this Young Riders Team Final presented by Ashford Farm.After an unfortunate eight faults for Niamh McEvoy with Jasmim Da Hermida, Tom Wachman and Cathalina S’ incurred in just one pole down. It was Francis Derwin’s clear round on Flexi K (ISH) that secured the title, ending the race to first place early. Max Wachman and Kilkenny (ISH) wrapped up the competition with one pole down after the victory was already in their pockets.

Later in the press conference, a proud James Kernan, Youth Chef D’Equipe, could not keep but praising his riders hard work: “I’m incredibly proud of them, they really do give everything they got each and every time. In Ireland we are spoilt for choice when it comes to good riders, these guys are simply exceptional.”

In the team final standings, Ireland secured the gold with a score of 1.74-4-8/243.96, followed by France with 7.98-15-0/240.00 and Belgium with 6.89-16-5/241.52.

Individually, the Irish riders are also in strong contention, with four members in the top 12. Tom Wachman currently lies in fifth, Francis Derwin in sixth, Niamh McEvoy in tenth, and Max Wachman in twelfth overall.

We extend our best congratulations to all medalists!

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JUMPING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP KRONENBERG 2024

Young Riders Team

1) Ireland 1.74-4-8/243.96
2) France 7.98-15-0/240.00
3) Belgium 6.89-16-5/241.52
4) Netherlands 14.33-13-5/242.47
5) Great Britain 9.77-16-7/243.47
6) Germany 8.03-12-13/241.80
7) Switzerland 5.34-21-8/239.01
8) Italy 14.26-19-7/244.40
9) Sweden 10.88-22-24/238.47
10) Denmark 22.66-24-16/238.96
11) Poland 16.43-32
12) Czech Republic 17.87-34
13) Austria 23.60-36
14) Spain 32.07-33
15) Hungary 17.28-58
16) Monaco 20.59-62
17) Portugal 67.61-EL

Source: https://online.equipe.com/startlists/980949