Weather not a factor in rider's death - eventing official
(Reuters)Updated: 2006-12-08 16:34
DOHA, Dec 8 - The death of South Korean equestrian eventer Kim Hyun-chil was a tragic accident and neither the weather nor conditions underfoot caused his horse to fall, the 15th Asian Games' eventing technical delegate said on Friday.
 Kim Hyung-chil of South Korea, on Bundaberg Black, jumps during the Equestrian Cross Country event at the 15th Asian Games in Doha December 7, 2006. Kim was killed after falling off the horse. [Reuters] |
There had been pools of water on the eventing course due to heavy rain, but technical delegate Andy Griffiths said at the time of Kim's fall the rain had stopped.
"At the time of the accident, weather conditions were stable, and it was not raining," Griffiths said in a statement.
"In my professional opinion, neither the weather nor the footing had any bearing on this accident."
Griffiths said Bundaberg Black had got too close to the "relatively easy" 108cm fence before the jump, which resulted in a somersault type of fall with the full weight of the horse crashing down on Kim on the other side.
"The rider was probably dead on impact," he said.
The horse sustained only minor injuries.
Spokesman Ahmed Abdulla Al Khulaifi said Kim would be remembered long after the Asian Games had ended.
"A monument will be built to commemorate the death of an exceptional rider and athlete," he told a news conference.
The Doha Games organising committee said the eventing medal ceremonies would go ahead, but riders would wear black armbands and the traditional lap of honour would be cancelled.
|
||
|
||
|
|