IT WAS A VICTORIOUS week for Egypt’s equestrian show jumper Sameh Al-Dahan at the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping Championship. The 36-year-old won a silver in the Olympic jump, a bronze in the 1.55cm and landed a credible fifth place finish in the 1.50cm event. Those three achievements earned him the title of “The Best Jumper”.

Following his performance, Al-Dahan took to his Facebook account to show his happiness. “Over the moon to receive such a title from one of the most prestigious shows in the world of showjumping, Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping. An accolade like this up against all of the top names of the sport being judged by some of the most senior experts in the field makes me feel after coming into the weekend with mixed emotions that I’m on target and I’m ready for whatever comes next. Thanks to GCTV and Piet Raijmakers senior for your lovely comments. Thank you to my whole team here in Paris and at home, my owners, sponsors and all the people that support me.

“What a mare she is. Harley (WKD aimez moi) helped the Cannes Stars team to a 3rd place and a 1st podium finish for the season posting a clear round and went one better in the big Grand Prix of the LGCT Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping 2021, posting another clear to finish 2nd and winning us the golden ticket to the Prague Playoffs to be part of the LGCT super Grand Prix. Congrats to Ben Maher for winning the Grand Prix. So lucky to have such a mare in my string of horses.”

Al-Dahan is to join the Egyptian equestrian team in the Tokyo Olympic Games scheduled from 23 July to 8 August.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 1 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly