Two and a half years later, the Asian city held the opening ceremony in a spectacular floating venue: The Float at Marina Bay. It was the beginning of a new era for the Olympic movement and young athletes from all over the world.
“The Youth Olympic Games are the flagship of the IOC’s determination to reach out to young people. These Games will not only be about competition. They will also be the platform through which youngsters will learn about the Olympic values and the benefits of sport, and will share their experiences with other communities around the globe” said Jacques Rogge, then IOC President.
Equestrian sport, part of the Olympic family since 1912, could not miss the youth festival. The IOC decided to include the Jumping discipline along with 28 disciplines from 25 other sports. 3,524 athletes between 15 and 18 years old took part in this first edition, of which 30 would participate in the two Equestrian competitions: Individual and Team. All continents were represented in Singapore, and some of the participants would go on to participate in the Olympic Games years later.
The two Equestrian competitions were held at the legendary Singapore Turf Club -founded in 1842- and one of the most iconic venues in Asian Equestrian. A total of 1,500 spectators cheered the young athletes while competing to become the first-ever Youth Olympic Champions.
Europeans Martin Fuchs (SUI), Wojciech Dahlke (POL), Valentina Isoardi (ITA), Carian Scudamore (GBR) and Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) - in the Team competition- and Marcelo Chirico (URU) -in the Individual competition- became the first medallists in the history of Equestrian at the Youth Olympic Games.
The first edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games ended with an absolute success, which planted the seeds for an event currently consolidated as the most important youth sport in the world. Jacques Rogge summarised the spirit of the Young Olympic Games during his closing ceremony speech: “You have made us proud. You have learnt what it means to be a true champion, not simply a winner. You have shown us that a new generation is ready to embrace and share Olympic values”.
The athletes who competed in Singapore became the first group of youngsters to participate in the Summer Youth Olympic Games. All athletes had to compete with borrowed horses, provided by the Organising Committee. The connection is key in the harmonious partnership between athlete and horse, and vital to success.
The first medallists were the members of the European team, made up of three men: Martin Fuchs (SUI), Wojciech Dahlke (POL) and Nicola Philippaerts (BEL), and two women: Valentina Isoardi (ITA) and Carian Scudamore (GBR).
The Europeans beat the Australasia team, which won the silver medal, and the African team, which completed a great competition by finishing in third place and bringing home the bronze medal.
The Uruguayan athlete Marcelo Chirico, riding Links Hot Gossip, was first in to jump off for the gold and silver medals and once again his skilful riding and unique and extraordinary bond with Links Hot Gossip, produced a smooth clear round. Mario Gamboa (COL) and LH Titan were next to jump and faulted at the second fence, which placed them in the silver medal position. Third place on the podium, and the bronze medal, went to Dalma Malhas (KSA) and Flash Top Hat.
The winners were elated with their success, and the great slaps of joy given to their horses and huge grins showed how important it was to them to become Youth Olympic Games medallists.
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