Rihards Snikus made historical past on the Paris Paralympics lately (3 September) when he received Latvia’s first equestrian Paralympic gold medal.
Rihards – who moonlights as a DJ – and his aptly named 16-year-old gelding King Of The Dance scored 79.18% to best the person grade I contest.
Rihards’ workforce had been “more than pleased” with the take a look at.
“It was once a in reality stunning efficiency,” stated Darja Tihomriova, talking on behalf of Rihards. “We had been fearful in regards to the technical components, however I believe it was once one among their best possible performances, and an ideal consequence.”
Rihards and King Of The Dance were in combination since 2016 and Darja stated the gelding is “a very good spouse” to Rihards.
“They know each and every different really well, and feature come far in combination from the starting to the gold,” she stated.
“We like this horse. He’s good, and a horse you get as soon as to your lifestyles. He’s an ideal character, so we’re very fortunate to have him – and really fortunate that we have got his proprietor, Irina Andrusa. For para dressage we will have to understand that typically they don’t seem to be our horses, so it’s because of the house owners, and our proprietor is excellent.”
Rihards and King of Dance received two silver person medals on the Tokyo Paralympics and he was once made up our minds to move one higher this 12 months. Tokyo double person gold medallist Roxanne Trunnell of the USA needed to accept silver this time spherical, with Fan Tastico, on 78.00%. Italy’s Sara Morganti and Mariebell scored 74.63% to take the bronze. Britain’s Mari Akhurst-Durward completed 6th with Athene Lindebjerg on 71.79%.
“After Tokyo we got here house and stated, ‘Adequate, subsequent time gold,” stated Darja. “In fact, we all know that Roxanne is superb. We adopted her effects via this 12 months. However we additionally know that we’re superb.”
Darja stated Rihards’ historical gold medal is “nice for para sports activities on the whole”.
“It presentations that it’s no longer simplest classical sports activities like athletes and biking, equestrian may be a game for other folks with disabilities. They are able to display how robust they’re, how smartly they may be able to trip, and the fantastic tactics. It’s nice to turn that you don’t have any prohibit.”
Rihards and King of Dance might be hoping to make it double gold once they compete within the person freestyle on Saturday (7 September).
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Credit score: Kevin Sparrow
Credit score: Kevin Sparrow
Credit score: Kevin Sparrow
Credit score: Long run
