Italy claimed another gold medal at the x-bionic® sphere in Samorin on Saturday, when Lorenzo Correddu was crowned European Champion in the children category. 

Riding Touche D Arrogance (Rash R x Andiamo), the 14-year-old rider went into a seven-horse-and-rider jump-off where he was the fastest one of the six clears with his time of 30.11 seconds after not touching a pole throughout the entire championship.

"I’m so happy," said Lorenzo Correddu after. "In the first round, I didn’t ride very well but my horse was very good so we could make a clear round. The second round was much better from my side and was also clear. In the jump-off, everybody from my team told me to go fast. So I tried to put gas already from the start. This helped me to win."

The silver medal went to 13-year-old Rose De Balanda from France, who rode Tzara Belin (Toulon x Diamant de Demilly) to a time of 30.74 in the jump-off. Great Britain's 14-year-old Oliver Fletcher took bronze on Disckoboy D.N. (Ard VDL Douglas x Silverstone), also he double clear in 30.93 seconds. This was Fletcher's second medal for the week, he also claimed gold in the team competition for children. 

"I’m really happy. My horse was really amazing," said De Balanda. "Those are just great feelings. I’m so so happy. I really wanted a medal so I had a kind of nervous before the jump-off. But I tried to do my basics, stay clean and it worked. I have to really really thank my horse, because she was amazing. And I also have to thank the whole French team. Thank you, guys, so much! (to the French Team standing around) They cheered for me the whole time and created great atmosphere. It was really motivating and I felt huge support from them. I enjoy the whole stay here in Samorin. It’s a magical place and it’s magical to win a medal here. So the last thanks belongs to the organisers."

Oliver Fletcher was also over the moon: "I loved every minute of the competition. I couldn’t ask for any more. And Disckoboy did very well. I’m really thankful. It's all just unbelievable here in x-bionic sphere. It’s the best show I’ve ever been to. We had just everything! If you would ask me before the start of this show I'll get gold in the teams and individual bronze I wouldn’t believe you! Two years ago I got silver medal in children’s teams, but this is completely different. Everything was just perfect."

Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © Tomas Holcbecher