Buenos Aires, Argentina – Closing out nearly a week of competition and international camaraderie, Mattie Hatcher, representing the United States, earned fourth place after two rounds and a jump-off in Individual Jumping at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
Paired with the borrowed mare, Santa Rosa Valery, and coached by U.S. Youth Chef d’Equipe DiAnn Langer, Hatcher (Little Rock, Ark.) sat on zero faults after Friday’s initial round of individual competition. After a clean ride in the second round on Saturday, Hatcher entered the jump-off against four other combinations. An unlucky eight faults in the jump-off left her just short of the podium, but her time of 30.97 positioned her solidly in fourth place.
Hatcher earned the team gold medal with her North American teammates earlier in the week, riding triple-clear for their team. Hatcher not only walks away from the 2018 Youth Olympic Games with a gold medal, but having learned a lot about herself and her riding during this once in a lifetime experience.
“It feels amazing to be [here] at the Youth Olympics,” said Hatcher. “Being exposed to this level of competition, in such an international atmosphere, was an experience of a lifetime. It feels special, but more than anything, I am grateful to be here and very grateful for my coach, DiAnn Langer, my family and friends, and for this opportunity given to me by God. Being on a team with other athletes from different countries was a great experience, and taught me how to get to know others quickly. My team was wonderful and we all got along so well. A huge thank you to Club Hipico and all of the people who put on the [Buenos Aires 2018] Youth Olympic Games.
“My wonderful coach [Langer] taught me so much about riding a new horse, and helped me learn about myself as a rider as well,” continued Hatcher. “Santa Rosa Valery was nothing but amazing for me. We had great success, and she had the best attitude throughout the whole competition. I felt like we clicked very well, which led to many clean rounds. I am so thankful for all the owners who donated the horses.”
“Mattie [Hatcher] is a special young lady,” said Langer. “She is a leader and connects with people instantly, which was very important to me [in selection]. Not only is she accomplished in show jumping, she is also the team captain of her basketball team, and on the soccer team at school. That was important in the selection process. Here at the [YOG], [Mattie] has been able to cross sport barriers and make friends in many different sports. She is also a youth leader in her community.
“The experience for Mattie, and all the athletes here, will be with them for a lifetime,” continued Langer. “They will keep many of the new friendships they have made, and will always realize that as much as we are different, we are even more alike. The YOG was an extraordinary experience on so many levels. The production and behind the scene organization must be saluted for this huge effort to showcase the young athletes from around the globe. Thank you to the United States Olympic Committee, the Fédération Equestre Internationale, and most importantly, to US Equestrian, for making youth programs such as this a priority.”
View more information about the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
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