They never gave up! Roger Yves Bost, Penelope Leprevost, Kevin Staut and Philippe Rozier showed how the seemingly impossible can be possible if you fight hard enough. After a start to the Olympic Games that resembled a nightmare – number one pair Simon Delestre and Ryan were lost due to an injury, followed by a colic for Flora de Mariposa before the same horse stumbled on day one unseating her rider Penelope Leprevost to eliminate the pair – the French bounced back strong on day one of team competition, and then even more so on the final day to win Olympic gold with only three penalties in total. Here is round by round from the French team yesterday, as well as the celebrations that followed. All photos (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.
Support, joy and happiness as Philippe Rozier delivered a round of just a time penalty on Rahotep de Toscane…
…giving his team mates the best possible start.
Rahotep de Toscane was perhaps the calmest of all after!
A big hug for Philippe Rozier who stepped on to the French team from his reserve position when Simon Delestre's Ryan was injured a week earlier.
Maud makes sure that Rahotep de Toscane gets a little treat.
Philippe Rosier shows his appreciation towards his groom Maud.
You did it!
More to celebrate as Kevin Staut delivered the round of his life on Reveur de Hurtebise to go clear.
A happy Kevin leaving the ring.
Chef d'Equipe Philippe Guerdat and Philippe Rozier to the left.
It was all down to Bosty! With a clear round or a time penalty he could secure the gold for France.
So he did, and the French could start celebrating!
A very happy Philippe Guerdat!
Philippe Rozier and Roger Yves Bost.
Kevin Staut and Philippe Rozier.
Philippe x 2: Guerdat and Rozier.
Rodrigo Pessoa came to congratulate.
A hug for Flora!
Who was quite keen on getting her Olympic ribbon.
The cameras come for Rahotep de Toscane.
Kisses and ribbons!
Claude makes Sydney Une Prince ready for the prize giving.
Medal time!
Vive la France!
Scratch me.... Sydney Une Prince was not so interested in the medals...
A kiss for Reveur!
A happy French team!
All smiles for Team Staut!
Hopla! Rosier getting ready for the lap of honour!
#TwoHearts
And finally the lap of honour! Congratulations Team France!
Then