C’est fin for Harry Charles and Romeo 88 in Paris.
Great Britain’s jumping team gold medalists will not contest the individual final at Paris 2024. Charles has elected to withdraw his 15-year-old Zangersheide stallion due to a small overreach injury in yesterday’s qualifying round.
“Unfortunately, me and Romeo will not start the individual final today in Paris,” explained Charles on social media. “After a small overreach yesterday, he is not quite the 110% that he has been the whole Games, so we are not taking any risks.
“Maybe I’m a little disappointed but, honestly, not really! He has given me so much and took me beyond my dreams, we’re leaving Paris with a gold medal and, more importantly, a happy Romeo, so that’s way more than enough for me!”
Harry is the son of 2012 London team gold medalist Peter Charles and, at 25, already a two-time Olympian. In Paris, and still recovering from a broken wrist, he and Romeo 88 were the top performing pair on Team GB, incurring just four faults over three rounds of competition.
Teammate Scott Brash and Ben Maher, the defending champion from Tokyo, both qualified for the individual final.
“Team GB have a great shot at the medals with two of the best today in Scott and Ben, so we will be on the sidelines cheering them on,” continued Charles.
“Thank you to everyone for all the support you’ve given me and Romeo throughout the Games and making it an experience of a lifetime!”