2004 Olympic Games - The Road to Athens

Rutten Announces Official Dutch Olympic Team

July 20, 2004

On Sunday after the CDIO Aachen, it was whispered that the Dutch team would definitely be constituted by Anky, Edward, Marlies and Sven.

Today at the national sport centre Papendal in Arnheim, The Netherlands, Dutch Chef d'Equipe Bert Rutten did announce the already predicted team as the 2004 Dutch Olympic Dressage Team. Anky van Grunsven on Salinero, Edward Gal on Lingh, Sven Rothenberger on Barclay II and Marlies van Baalen on Idocus will be travelling to Athens to represent The Netherlands. Reserve ride is Imke Schellekens on Lancet.

A big dispute took place prior to the announcement of the team about the case Antoinette Falandt and Jarwo. The pair had to withdraw from competing at Aachen due to an injury, but the Dutch team vet Van Schrie also proclaimed Jarwo unfit for the Games. Falandt's own vet disputed this and said the horse would be in shape for the Games. Rutten decided to take the team vet's opinion into consideration and scratched Falandt from the Olympic Short List.

Image copyrighted: Arnd Bronkhorst

Related Links
Dutch Olympic Dressage Team Selected
Dutch Dressage Team for Aachen (and the Olympics) Announced