Underdogs ride to historic medal place at youth games

(CNS): Local horse-rider Polly Serpell, who is representing the Cayman Islands at the Youth Olympics in China, has made history as part of an unknown equestrian team and snagged a bronze medal for the country’s trophy cabinet and its first ever YOG medal in Equestrian. Serpell competed in the team event on 20 August representing North America, along with Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Dominican Republic. The team rode to third place bagging a bronze medal, despite being the underdogs in the showjumping contest. “I still can’t believe it. Me and my team are over the moon and I’m just so excited,” Serpell said.

The European team took gold and silver went to the South America team but 16-year-old Serpell and her team mates, Macarena Chiriboga Granja (Ecu), Sabrina Rivera Meza (Esa), Stefanie Brand (Gua) and Maria Gabriela Brugal (Dom), were delighted with their third place.

Hoping that nerves would not get the better of her, she had a rough start on the first day when she fell off the horse she is riding in China, Giorgio Zan. But the entire team held its ground on the second day and walked away with zero penalties.

“We came in unknown, an underdog, so we proved ourselves,” said Equestrian coach Mary Alberga. “Polly scored and tied for first in the overall in our team, she came tied at the number one position in team, so we have really stepped up to the plate.”

The Cayman Islands Olympic Committee commended Serpell and the team for the historic achievement. “This is truly a great moment for the CIOC and we would like to thank all of our top sponsors,” the committee stated in a release.