Laura Collett and Team GB Triumph at Paris 2024 Equestrian Events
- Team GB achieved its first gold medal in eventing at the Olympics, showcasing an impressive performance.
- Laura Collett expressed her delight at contributing to the team's success amid challenging circumstances.
- This victory brings a sense of positivity and pride to the British equestrian community.
Laura Collett celebrated a remarkable achievement as her horse, London 52, helped secure another Olympic team title and an individual bronze medal for Team Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The historic setting of the Palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XIV, served as a fitting backdrop for Team GB, which has now won a gold medal at every Olympic Games since 1896. Collett, alongside teammates Tom McEwen and Ros Canter, successfully defended their team gold from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with France and Japan rounding out the podium. Despite recent challenges, including the suspension of six-time Olympic dressage medallist Charlotte Dujardin due to controversial training practices, Collett emphasized the importance of horse welfare in their success. She stated, “There is a huge team behind us that make it possible, and horses don’t perform like that if they are not happy.” Collett highlighted the dedication of the entire team in showcasing the horses as the true stars of the event, while the riders merely enjoy the moments shared with them. Entering the final jumping round with a narrow five-point lead, Collett felt a sense of confidence, knowing she could afford to knock down a few fences and still secure victory. Her teammate McEwen expressed his admiration for Collett’s performance, noting that he found it less nerve-wracking to watch than to compete himself. Collett described London 52 as her “horse of a lifetime,” reflecting on their journey together and the trust they built over time.