The assignment for this article was to watch coverage of the olympics, then write an article like you were there. 3 pgs., AP style, must include tabular data (not included here).
Time Matters
Australia's Andrew Hoy avoided penalty points to take the lead over Great Britian's Jeanette Brakewell in the Equestrian Three-day Event on September 18, 2000. Hoy, riding Darien Powers widened the narrow gap by 1 1/2 points between the two countries, deciding the gold and silver medal winners.
The three-day event actualy takes place over four days, but consists of three events. The first and second days are dressage, day three is cross-country and day four is showjumping. In the event, men and women compete as equals. There are individual and team competitions in each event. Each country is allowed four riders per team. The best scores are used for judging, however all four team members win medals. The winner is the rider or team that has the fewest points at the end of the showjumping competition. The events test the horse and rider's teamwork, courage, skill, stamina, toughness and obedience.
In the showjumping competition, the competitors don't win points, but receive penalty points. Each rail that is knocked over is five points. A horse's refusal to jump an obstacle is ten points. The entire course must be completed in 95 seconds. And seconds over are 1/4 of a point.
The showjumping competition, the last event, tests the horse's agility, suppleness and stamina. The jumps are easier than those in the cross-country competition. Each horse is first inspected by veterinarians to make sure that the horse is fit enough to compete. In case of bad weather and/or course conditions, the time limit may be extended. by this time, the riders know the scores and what they can, or can't, afford to miss.
Hoy entered the ring prepared to defen Australia's gold medal in the event. he held a 12.8 lead over Brakewell. As soon as the riders crossed the starting line, the timer began. Hoy was sitting up and foward in his saddle, pushing his horse forward, while Brakewell was leaning back and not as straight. At the first obstacle, Hoy appeared to be behind, but was still holding his aggressive posture. At the second, Hoy was beginning to gain. As he went over the jump he kept his legs back and closed, urging the horse on. Brakeman's legs were more foward and loose. She was still sitting back in her saddle.
By the fourth obstacle, Hoy had pulled about a length ahead of Breakwell, approximately eight feet. While rounding the bend before the triple combo, Hoy took the bend tight on the inside, cutting the corner to save time. This gave his horse less of a runing start to clear the jumps. Brakewell took the turn much wider ad more relaxed. her horse had a better start for the jumps, but lost precious time.
Hoy and Darien Powers knocke down three reails , but received no time penalaties. Breakwell and Over To You knocked down only one rail, but exceeded the time limit by six seconds, resulting in 1 1/2 penalty points. Australia won the gold for the three-day event with 146.8, followed by great Britian with 161, and the United States with 175.3.