Team GB blow as gold medallist PULLS OUT minutes before Olympic 2024 final and says ‘not taking any risks’

OLYMPIC champion Harry Charles withdrew from the individual showjumping final at the eleventh hour.

Charles – who had already won gold in the team jumping in Paris – was set to be one of THREE Brits competing in Tuesday morning’s final.

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Harry Charles has been forced out of the individual showjumping final at the eleventh hour[/caption]

Alamy

Injury to his horse – Romeo 88 – scuppered Brash’s dream of winning individual gold[/caption]

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Charles announced their withdrawal from the final on Instagram[/caption]

But an injury to his horse, Romeo 88, scuppered his bid to win individual Olympic gold.

Charles wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately, me and Romeo will not start the individual final today in pairs.

“After a small overreach yesterday he is not quite the 110% that he has been the whole games, so we are not taking any risks.

“Maybe I’m a little disappointed but honestly not really!

“He has given me so much and took me beyond my dreams.

“We’re leaving Paris with a gold medal and more importantly a happy Romeo, so that’s way more than enough for me!”

Team GB’s hopes of winning gold in the individual final rested on the shoulders of veterans Ben Maher and Scott Brash – who delivered gold alongside Charles in the team jumping on Friday.

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But the duo failed to win Team GB’s 13th gold of the tournament as they both incurred four-point penalties during their opening rides.

Brash ended up sixth of 30 riders with a time of 81.23 seconds, while Maher ended ninth after finishing in 81.70.

A gutted Charles – who won team jumping gold earlier during the Games – was inundated with messages of support from his followers.

One wrote: “Ultimate respect for putting Romeo first, as it always should be.

“You have both been incredible and should be so proud.”

Another said: “Gutted for you but unbelievable performances all week. Well done Olympic champions.”

And another said: “Knowing your horse and showing this level of horsemanship at an important event of a lifetime like this is absolutely amazing to see.

“Sending all my love from California!”

One remarked: “That’s a shame but you guys have been fabulous these games and have already shown your class.

“And always putting the horse first too – respect.”

Another chimed in: “Great to see you putting Romeo first, but gutted not to see you both take on the final after the way he’s been jumping!”

Romeo 88’s owner, Ann Thompson, also weighed in.

She said: “As Romeo’s owner, there are not words to explain my gratitude for Harry putting my horse before himself.

“A sign of a real horseman. Romeo had plans to leave more of himself in Versailles but we go home with team Gold.

“What a horse.”

Charles’ model girlfriend Eve Jobs will be helping him get over his individual Olympic heartache.

Eve, 26, is the daughter of the late Apple tech guru Steve Jobs.

PA

Harry Brash won team jumping gold with Ben Maher and Scott Brash earlier this month[/caption]