Swiss showjumper takes stock after Olympic delay

Martin Fuchs was dreaming of celebrating Olympic showjumping gold on his grey gelding Clooney 51, soaking up the atmosphere in the Japanese heat as the Swiss flag was raised.

Instead, the 27-year-old rider, who competed in Rio four years ago, has been forced to play a waiting game by the global coronavirus pandemic.

The European champion and world silver medallist began the year as world number one ahead of compatriot Steve Guerdat and was gunning for Olympic gold in Tokyo.

But Fuchs is confident that his horse will be up to the challenge at the postponed Games next year, and is enjoying aspects of the enforced break from his usual relentless schedule.

"It is obviously a disappointment as I was very excited and looking forward to the Olympics this year," he told AFP by phone from his stables in Wangi, Switzerland.

"But I think even next year Clooney will still be in a good shape as he won't be doing much this year because there is not much happening."
"No shows, no dealing or trading going on but still same work going on, just there is no income anymore."
"But we managed over the past years to put money aside so we can touch that now to pay for things."
- 'A step back' -
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"It is completely different to what one is normally used to."