dancefreak2003
30-05-2008, 12:53 AM
2nd-ranked showjumper Kuerten declines spot on Irish team for Beijing Olympics
HUENXE, Germany (AP) -Jessica Kuerten, the world's No. 2-ranked showjumper, will not be going to the Beijing Olympics.
Kuerten, who competes for Ireland but is based in Germany, is currently appealing a suspension imposed by world governing body FEI following her horse's positive test. She announced on her Web site that she was declining an invitation to compete in the Aug. 8-24 Olympics.
"To compete at the Olympics is a dream for every rider and I wish the horse and rider combination who flies the Irish tricolor in Hong Kong the very best of luck,'' said Kuerten, who has competed in two Olympics.
She said her main horse, Castle Forbes Libertina, needs rest after the indoor season and her second mount, Quibell, is injured and a nervous traveler.
Kuerten is preparing an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against a two-month ban imposed after Castle Forbes Maike tested positive for a banned medication last year. She is free to compete during the appeal process.
Irish showjumping team manager Robert Splaine said he would choose a replacement next week.
"As world No. 2 she would have been one of the favorites for the games,'' he said. "However, her performances over the last year have secured us a place in the Olympics and I am now focusing on selecting a horse and rider to fill that place.''
The Olympic equestrian events will be held in Hong Kong.
HUENXE, Germany (AP) -Jessica Kuerten, the world's No. 2-ranked showjumper, will not be going to the Beijing Olympics.
Kuerten, who competes for Ireland but is based in Germany, is currently appealing a suspension imposed by world governing body FEI following her horse's positive test. She announced on her Web site that she was declining an invitation to compete in the Aug. 8-24 Olympics.
"To compete at the Olympics is a dream for every rider and I wish the horse and rider combination who flies the Irish tricolor in Hong Kong the very best of luck,'' said Kuerten, who has competed in two Olympics.
She said her main horse, Castle Forbes Libertina, needs rest after the indoor season and her second mount, Quibell, is injured and a nervous traveler.
Kuerten is preparing an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against a two-month ban imposed after Castle Forbes Maike tested positive for a banned medication last year. She is free to compete during the appeal process.
Irish showjumping team manager Robert Splaine said he would choose a replacement next week.
"As world No. 2 she would have been one of the favorites for the games,'' he said. "However, her performances over the last year have secured us a place in the Olympics and I am now focusing on selecting a horse and rider to fill that place.''
The Olympic equestrian events will be held in Hong Kong.