It’s been a rollercoaster week for Will Coleman.
With two horses named to the U.S. team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the American eventer looked all but guaranteed to compete in what would have been his second Games.
On Wednesday, ahead of the move to the venue, US Equestrian announced the world no. 39 would ride Diabolo instead of Off The Record. On Friday morning, Diabolo was deemed unfit to compete.
Traveling reserve combination Liz Halliday and Nutcracker have now moved into the three-member team.
“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,” said American eventing chef d’equipe Bobby Costello.
“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. 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.”
Halliday will make her Olympic debut in Paris.
If there’s one team member that can relate to Coleman’s disappointment, it’s her. In 2020, Halliday was named to the Tokyo Olympic team, but had to withdraw her mount Deniro Z when bone bruising was detected at the final inspection.
“I’m feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now. 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,” posted Halliday on social media.
“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.”
Eventing kicks off on Saturday in Paris. Full schedule and live stream links are here.