It seems that the equestrians are sequestered to their barracks because of competition. And this is not just recently.
So, when was the last time that the equestrians marched with the US team for opening ceremony?
I seem to recall Mr. Michael Plumb carrying a flag. When was that?
It was Michael Matz back in '96 that you’re thinking of.
They usually do march, but this year it would’ve been difficult since they are already not on site. Hong Kong isn’t exactly attached to mainland China…some from other countries did march, too. Just not ours this time.
I read the Ian Miller was nominated to carry the flag in Beijing
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/equestrian/story/2008/06/06/f-olympic-millarflagbearer.html
I think it sucked they did not get to be part of the main opening ceremonies, personally. I think part of what makes the Olympics so special is getting the chance to meet all the different athletes who are the best in the world at what they do.
Logistics were sacrificed to political correctness. China was far from an ideal spot for the games in many ways.
I watched most of the opening ceremonies last night and noticed that a small country, can’t remember which just now, had an equestrian carry out the flag in the parade of nations. I thought that was odd since there was a seperate opening ceremony in Beijing and that the US equestrians would be at that one. Yeah, it’s a four hour flight with opening ceremonies ending after midnight (in China), but still, why not go to Hong Kong?
I believe it was the event rider from Bermuda, if I’m not mistaken…
I saw my buddy Juan Andres Rodrigues, from Guatemala, in the opening ceremonies, and the dressage guy from Japan who is the oldest athlete in the games. Are we sure the Americans didn’t march?
[QUOTE=YankeeLawyer;3427326]
I think it sucked they did not get to be part of the main opening ceremonies, personally. I think part of what makes the Olympics so special is getting the chance to meet all the different athletes who are the best in the world at what they do.[/QUOTE]
True, but if you noticed, the swimmers and gymnasts weren’t there either, since it was too close to their competition times and they had to rest. Unfortunate, but it does happen. It’s such a long ceremony and if you’re competing first thing next morning…
[QUOTE=Frank B;3427351]
Logistics were sacrificed to political correctness. China was far from an ideal spot for the games in many ways.[/QUOTE]
The original plan was to have the Equestrian events in Beijing, but they’re in Hong Kong because the veterinarians wouldn’t certify Beijing as being disease-free and the horses would’ve had to endure long quarantines coming out of Beijing. Had nothing to do with political correctness.
[QUOTE=Anne FS;3427456]
True, but if you noticed, the swimmers and gymnasts weren’t there either, since it was too close to their competition times and they had to rest. Unfortunate, but it does happen. It’s such a long ceremony and if you’re competing first thing next morning…[/QUOTE]
I am the kind that would completely p*ss off my coach by going anyway. But I can recall in the past there have been athletes that didn’t march for that reason. I guess they get to go to closing ceremonies, though.
[QUOTE=cmannphoto;3427219]
I read the Ian Miller was nominated to carry the flag in Beijing
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/equestrian/story/2008/06/06/f-olympic-millarflagbearer.html[/QUOTE]
No he was not. It would have been great, but Adam van Koeverden, Kayak, did.
Anky and Michael Matz have both carried the flag in the Olympics
Wasn’t it the same problem at Athens '04? The riders were off-site, too.
Wouldn’t it be cool if the equestrian athletes actually rode their mounts during the opening ceremonies? 
I realize the riders probably wouldn’t even want to do this, the horses might be a little spooked by all the commotion, but…
the horses are Olympic athletes too. Funny how they are left out completely. No other Olympic sport involves animals.
[QUOTE=FalseImpression;3427879]
No he was not. It would have been great, but Adam van Koeverden, Kayak, did.[/QUOTE] [carry the flag for Canada in the opening ceremonies]
Ian Millar was flagbearer in the 42-nation Equestrian opening ceremonies.
Regarding Mike Plumb carrying the U.S. flag…I do believe he carried the U.S. flag in the opening ceremonies of the 92 Barcelona Olympics (the year he rode Adonis and FINALLY wore top hat and tails instead of his pinque coat in dressage). If I recall correctly, he was the oldest U.S. Olympic athlete that year and was chosen flagbearer (I think).
to clarify…
As per Mike Gallagher’s blog (he’s the Cdn chef de mission) – there was an event put on for the equestrian competitors in Hong Kong on opening night – a party with the opening ceremonies presented on a big screen for everyone to watch. The riders did have a mini-parade, with just one representative from each discipline, I gather – and Ian Millar did carry the flag for the Canadians in Hong Kong.
I suppose it’s possible that riders from some nations – particularly the showjumpers who don’t compete for another week or so – might have been able to squeeze in attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing (hey, it’s only 1200 km away!) – but it would have been out of the question for the eventers and, I would imagine, the dressage riders.
And there are no Bermudians competing in this Olympics in eventing, unfortunately. I guess MJ Tumbridge doesn’t have a horse ready for this level right now. Maybe you were thinking of Jamaica’s Sam Albert? Though I’d be very surprised if she managed to get to the opening ceremonies either.
WHere are the pentathletes competing?
okay, I got curious…
… and looked up the Bermudian contingent for the 2008 Games. Turns out they have sent a single showjumper, Jillian Terceira – and she was indeed their flagbearer for the opening ceremonies. I don’t know Jillian, but the Terceira’s are a horsey name from way back in Bermuda, and I wish her all the best!
Oh, and Norman Dello Joio is listed as the Bermudian team coach. Nice work if you can get it. <G>
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