CLARE showjumper Rhys Williams and his Irish U18 team-mates have won a bronze medal at the 2022 FEI European Championships.
Competing in 39 degree heat, in Oliva Spain, Rhys and Co won the bronze out of 18 nations with team manager James Kernan singling out the Clareman’s effort as the ride of the day.
Rhys was adding the bronze to previous gold and silver medals he won at European level in 2018.
The Irish Junior Showjumping team comprises Francis Derwin, Rhys Williams, Tom Wachman, Niamh McEvoy and Conor McLaughlin and are managed by James Kernan and sponsored by GAIN Equine Nutrition.
They took the team bronze medal following an excellent final round performance which included an impressive clear from Rhys Williams aboard Cowboy Balou.
Manager Kernan said, “Coming here I was very hopeful that we could win a medal and possibly even gold considering the quality of horses and riders that we have. We had a great start in the opening competition on Tuesday but things went against us a bit on Wednesday in the second round.
“But today my riders dug deep and Francis had an unbelievable round and then for me the ride of the day was from Rhys. He had a fence down on Wednesday and his round today was just sensational.”
“Everybody really played their part and its fantastic to win the bronze medal. The course builder did a good job. Maybe we would have preferred bigger courses but the conditions have been very tough here in Spain with the heat and humidity. I want to thank our team sponsors GAIN, and our team suppliers. Hopefully we will have more great Irish performances here at the Championships over the next few days.”
Horse Sport Ireland CEO Denis Duggan added: “I want to congratulate James Kernan and his team members Francis, Rhys, Tom, Niamh and Conor on a brilliant performance over the last three days culminating in a fantastic bronze medal win for Ireland.
“They showed great composure in the final round to hold their medal position and we are all very proud of their performances. I wish our Junior, Young Rider and Children On Horses teams the very best of luck in the remaining competitions at the Europeans over the next three days.”