Saudi Gazette report

PARIS — As the Saudi equestrian team prepares for their participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, they are filled with memories of their last Olympic appearance, where they secured a bronze medal in the team event at the London 2012 Olympics.

On Thursday, the team will compete in the mixed team show jumping event at the historic Palace of Versailles arena, established in Paris in 1624.

This year's participation is particularly special for seasoned riders Ramzy Al Duhami and Abdullah Al Sharbatly, who played crucial roles in securing the bronze medal twelve years ago. Joining them for their first Olympic experience are young talents Abdulrahman Al Rajhi and Khaled Al Mobty, marking a new chapter in their athletic careers.

The current Olympics differ from the London Games due to new competition rules implemented since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. These rules stipulate that each country can now only field three riders per team instead of four, with the fourth rider serving as a reserve.

In tomorrow’s competition, a total of 60 riders will participate, with three riders representing each of the 20 competing teams. The top 10 teams, determined by the fewest faults and fastest times, will advance to the finals.

Following the team events, the mixed individual qualifiers will take place on August 5. The top 75 riders from the team competition will compete for 30 spots in the individual final, scheduled for August 6.