FEI World Vaulting Championships & FEI European Vaulting Championships for Juniors: 30 July – 3 August, Brno (CZE) - INDIVIDUAL MALE FINAL

The Czech Republic Rejoices - a new star is born

It couldn’t have been more fitting – as the Championships came to a close, and the last medals for the individual male world title were up in the air, who else but a fresh face from the country which has so generously hosted the Championships to step up and claim the gold medal. Indeed, Petr Eim, a name which may not be familiar to all, from the Czech Republic with longeur llonka Homberg and horse Appollo 306 are the new world champions. His victory was accompanied by thundering applause, cheer and sheer exaltation by both the local and international spectators. He is the face of the future, and in particular a firm indication that new countries are stepping up to the challenge to rival the establishment. The establishment in terms of individual male vaulters comes in the form of Germany’s Kai Vorberg, two time defending world champion, as well as current European champion.

On this occasion, Kai would have to settle for silver. The balance has been upset and this is what every sport needs, the athletes need it, it keeps them on their toes and ready for the next affront. To better oneself, and continue to do so, knowing that the number one spot is sought after by a continuous stream of talented athletes. Third place went to another up and coming vaulter, Daniel Kaiser and longeur Gerhard Kluger from Germany. Just missing ot on a medal, but clearly a crowd favourite, the showman from Spain Martin Ruiz Ararat looked like a good bet for third place.   

During the technical test in the morning, Petr Eim not only maintained his position but slightly increased his advantage over the highly acclaimed and multi medallist Kai Vorberg. “Winning a medal at a world championship had always been my dream and now I have this beautiful golden one! I’m only realizing what has just happened…,“

The next World Vaulting Championships will take place in Kentucky during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010.  

Results (top ten)
Rider – NF – Longeur – Horse - Score
1.       Petr Eim – CZE – llonka Homberg – Appollo 306 - 8.620
2.       Kai Vorberg – GER – Kristen Graf – Picasso RS Wint – 8.550
3.       Daniel Kaiser – GER – Gerhard Kluger – Merkur 125 – 8.428
4.       Martin Ruiz Ararat – ESP – Kirsten Schmitz – Glateley Lime L – 8.326
5.       Nicolas Andreani – FRA – Marina Joosten Dupon – Idefix de Braise – 8.247
6.       Gero Meyer – GER – Dr Silke Bartl -  Grand Gaudino – 8.156
7.       Stefan Csandl – AUT – Gabriele Podivin – Latino - 8.138    
8.       Adrian Toth – SVK – Jan Tribula – Celtic Z II – 8.012
9.       Patric Loser – SUI – Alexandra Knauf – Record RS V D – 7.953
10.   Ivan Nousse – FRA – Jeremy Barillet – Carlos 190 – 7.748