Medal-Winning Couple Has Ties To Utah
Sept. 19, 2000-- For the second time in history, a husband and wife stood on the Olympic podium together.
David and Karen O'Connor won bronze for the team equestrian competition.
Olympic Specialist Shelley Osterloh has the story.
David and Karen have strong ties to Utah and visit there
often. David's mother, Sally, lived in Utah for ten years and taught hundreds of people to ride.
That strong family tradition continues here in Sydney in the three-day team competition.
Karen rode anchor. She was well aware
that she needed to do well for the team to stay competitive, as two falls had eliminated rookie Linden Weisman.
O'Connor completed a penalty-free ride.
KAREN O'CONNOR: THE WHOLE FEELING OF HAVING A HUSBAND AND WIFE BE ON THE PODIUM, FOR A
SECOND TIME IT WAS A MOMENT. IT FRAMES A MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU'LL NEVER FORGET.
AS HE STEPPED UP ON THE PODIUM WITH ME, HE TURNED AND SAID 'IT'S REALLY COOL TO BE DOING THIS
ONE MORE TIME.' SO IT WAS EXCITING."
We should mention that the Americans were helped when the New Zealand team was forced to drop out after only two of its
four horses were judged fit to compete. The elimination of the Kiwis, who were in third place after the 2nd day of competition,
clinched the bronze for the U.S.
But as far as Karen is concerned, she's happy to win the bronze and said she thought they delivered a gold medal effort.
