USEF Announces Changes for U.S. Olympic Eventing Team Before Start of Paris 2024
The U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced a change to the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team prior to the start of competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Traveling reserve combination Liz Halliday and Nutcracker will move into the three-member team, replacing Will Coleman and Diabolo.
“The last 48 hours have truly been tough for our team, but particularly for Will Coleman. Off The Record looked well training camp, but Will's direct reserve, Diabolo, continued to impress and was physically in such great condition, so we made the decision to place into the team roster before moving to the venue. Diabolo trotted up great prior to shipping from training camp and arrived at the venue happy and sound. Unfortunately, shortly after settling into stabling he showed some significant signs of discomfort and the team immediately got to work to address a potential abscess in the right front foot. Team Farrier Beck Ratte, Dr. Susan Johns, Diabolo's groom Hailey Burlock, and Will's wife, Katie, were so diligent and excellent in treating Diabolo, and he did in fact trot up sound last night,” said Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello.
"With that said, we felt after weighing the risk, it was not in Diabolo's or the team's best interest for him to move forward with the competition this week. We’re all just really devastated for Will and his entire team. It takes so much work to get to this moment and it’s just such an unfortunate turn of events. We’ve got to look forward though, and with that said, we’re heading into this competition with four very competitive horses, and l still feel very confident in this team’s ability to be successful here in Paris.”
"They say timing is everything," said Coleman in a post on his Facebook page. "With how our last two days have gone here in Paris, that simply could not be more true. It has been a difficult 48 hours for my team and all of Off The Record’s and Diabolo’s connections. I don’t have anything to say other than I wish all of Team USA the very best of luck this weekend. I will be here supporting them all the way through in what will certainly be an incredible competition at the most amazing venue I have ever seen. Go get ‘em guys."
This will be Liz Halliday’s first Olympic appearance for Team USA, and will bring forward Nutcracker, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R. x Cobra) owned by Chris Desino, Rob Desino, Deborah Halliday, Liz Halliday, and Renee Lane and cared for by Abby Steger. She will join Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Eurocommerce Washington x Fedor) owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate and cared for by Stephanie Simpson, and Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R. x Kannan) owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, Caroline Pamukcu, and Deniz Pamukcu and cared for by Chloe Teahan.
"I’m feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now," said Halliday in an Instagram post. "I’ve been in Will’s shoes before, and I know the pain and disappointment that comes with a last-minute change ahead of the biggest moment in your sporting career and life. I’m devastated for their team–they’ve worked so hard and deserve to be here. I always knew this was the responsibility of the reserve role, and Bali and I are mentally and physically ready to step in and deliver our best for the team. We’re 100% focused and prepared to head down the centerline and represent our country on Saturday. The USA have an incredible team here in Paris - we are ready to fight hard and give it our all."
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Diarado x Sandro Hit) owned by Carol Stephens and cared for by Caitlin Martin, will now move into the team’s traveling reserve position and join the team at the venue.
The first phase of dressage will begin at 9:30 a.m. GMT+2/3:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 27, with ride times published following the first horse inspection.
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