On Tuesday morning we started a full day of compulsories here in the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The arena filled up during the morning as the nations set up their corners to cheer for their vaulters. Here is an overview of the first day of the FEI World Equestrian Games for vaulting. 

The day started with the squad competition, in which Switzerland (Team Lütisburg) showed their strength with a score of 7.979. Germany (Team Norka) is following with 7.794 and Austria (Team RC Wildegg) holds the 3rd place ending with 7.355. We can also highlight the American performance at home with a 7.349 in the 4th place at the moment.

Unfortunately, Italy had a bad start when going over time and therefore the last movement was not scored.

“That was not our best compulsory, but we are better in the freestyle anyway. We are Italians!” said Laura Carnabuci, their lunger and coach.

> Team Switzerland

Lütisburg Voltige
Photo: Sportfot

> Team Germany

Team Norka
Photo: Sportfot

The day continued with the female competition and with a shining star: Katharina Luschin (AUT) scored a record breaking 8.506, topping the best compulsory result from the previous WEG in France. She is now at her second WEG, after finishing 4th individually in Normandy and taking Bronze at the previous World Championship in Le Mans 2016. She is just ahead of Kristina Boe (GER) who got 8.347 and a big smile on her face in the runway. We find Austria again in the 3rd and 4th place with Daniela Fritz who scored 8.294 and Lisa Wild

“We took a risk, putting all three of them on this one horse, Fairytale, but it worked out,” said Manfred Rebel, team chief for Austria.

> Katharina Luschin

Katharina Luschin
Photo: Sportfot

The male competition is already very tight, as we can see with the scores: Thomas Brüsewitz (GER), Jannik Heiland (GER) and Lambert Leclezio (FRA) are neck and neck with respectively 8.480, 8.468 and 8.440.

> Thomas Brüsewitz

Thomas Brüsewitz
Photo: Sportfot

> INSIGHTS OF DAY 1

Competition starts again at 9.30 (US time, 15.30 European time) with the first individual female freestyles. We wish all competitors good luck and see you there!

Check the start lists, schedules, detailed results and all important information about the competition here.