Within the gardens of the Château de Versailles—an iconic setting about 9 miles from Paris correct—the Olympics’ four-legged athletes (and their two-legged riders) have been crusing over fences which can be way over mere poles within the floor: They’re meticulously crafted, attractive masterpieces that nearly draw our consideration away from the wonderful jumps the equestrians and their mounts are executing.
The course for the Paris 2024 equestrian leaping occasions was designed by 45-year-old Grégory Bodo, who labored with a Spanish companion, Santiago Varela Ullastres. Collectively, they created 14 obstacles of various heights and widths for every day, positioned all through the sandy monitor of the world wherein the leaping occasions have been held. The fences have been stored in locked, secured semi-trailers earlier than the competitors started, lest any riders get an early peek at their issue ranges, Le Monde studies.
The staff leaping occasion ended August 2, and produced the oldest American medalist in 72 years—58-year-old Laura Kraut, who gained silver along with her teammates Karl Prepare dinner and McLain Ward. However you possibly can nonetheless catch these compositions within the particular person leaping competitors, which begins August 5.
The artwork—er, obstacles—vary from historical Japanese symbols to landmarks any customer to Paris will acknowledge (sure, there are nods to wine and pastries), and are described in pdfs on the Olympics web site. Scroll beneath to take a look at our absolute favorites. After which tune in on Monday so you possibly can pick your faves in motion.
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