Media updates

Paralympic Games Grade II Freestyle

Media updates
23 September 2004 Author: webmaster
Irene Slaettengren (SWE) triumphed again after a thrilling competition in Grade II 
 
This time in the Freestyle test she enchanted the judges with her programme matched with music from the legendary Swedish group, ABBA, and won the gold medal riding Larino.

The Swedish rider earned 78.944% for her performance and is now a proud holder of two Paralympic titles. A great progress for a relatively, as she says herself, unknown Amazon, whose best accomplishment so far has been ninth place in last year's World Championships in Belgium.

People were expecting another high profile competition in Grade II with exciting enter changes. And this is exactly what happened. For more than an hour Hannelore Brenner (GER) held the gold medal, but when Slaettengrens turn came, everything changed.

Meanwhile, the Dutch camp was anxious about the final placing of their two competitors Joop Stokkel and Gert Bolmer, but neither of them earned a place on the podium; ending the competition in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Brenner, who didn't compete in the Individual Championship due to her horse's, Fabiola 189, minor injury, borrowed Bianca Vogels gelding. Roquefort 16, who helped him win her first ever Paralympic medal, a silver one, with a total score 76.056%.

The defending Grade II champion Nic Tustain (GBR) failed to retain her title. Instead the British rider with Prinz Heinrich came third. She was awarded 75% to claim the bronze medal, her second at these Paralympic Games - after she finished third in the Individual. Championship Test - Grade II

 

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