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Great Britain’s Nick Skelton riding Big Star claimed the gold medal in the show jumping, beating Sweden’s Peder Fedricson.
Skelton becomes Britain’s second-oldest Olympic gold medallist after winning his first individual gold medal at his seventh try.
He managed to produce an outstanding performance throughout the competition. He completed the two runs penalty free putting him into a jump-off against five other riders.
In the jump-off, the 58-year-old went first and once again put in a flawless performance with another penalty free run. Skelton riding first in the jump-off performed an error free run putting pressure on his competitors.
The rest of the play-off riders all knocked over a fence giving the team GB horse rider his first Olympic individual gold medal.
“You always dream about it but when it actually happens it is real life,” Skelton told BBC Sport.
“I have been thinking about this and planning it since London four years ago.
“I knew if I kept my cool this horse would do it. I knew if I did not make a mistake, he wouldn’t either.”
Sweden’s Peder Fredricson won the silver medal and Canada’s Eric Lamaze had to settle for the bronze.
The Team GB equestrian had a frustrating and disappointing Rio Olympic Games as a team not winning any medals. Meanwhile they also were unable to qualify for the final of the show jumping team event. The competition they won gold at London 2012.
Skelton’s is Britain’s second gold in the equestrian events following Charlotte Dujardin’s victory in the individual dressage.
