David O'Connor (equestrian)
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David O'Connor is a well known equestrian rider who competes in eventing competitions. He has won many international competitions as well as the gold medal for the US in the 2000 Olympic Games held in Sydney, making him only the third American to win the individual gold in an equestrian competition. He is only the second American to have won the Badminton Horse Trials. O'Connor currently sits as the President of the US Equestrian Federation.
Some of his best horses included:
- Custom Made
- Giltedge
- Wilton Fair
- The Native
[edit] Family history
O'Connor was born January 18, 1962 to Sally and Jay O'Connor, he has one older brother, Brian O'Connor. Both of O'Connor's parents were involved in equestrian sports and this helped to introduce O'Connor to horses at a very young age.
O'Connor was married to Karen in 1993. Karen O'Connor is also a well known eventing figure and has competed in international events and the Olympic Games as well.
[edit] Career highlights
•Awarded the Woffard Cup
•Named Equestrian of the Year by USA Equestrian Recipient of the USA Equestrian Sportsmanship Award
•World Equestrian Games
- Team Gold Giltedge
- Individual 10th Giltedge
•Fair Hill International CCI***
- 1st Custom Made
•Radnor Hunt CCI**
- 1st Nicki Henley
- 6th Wyndham
•Fair Hill International CCI***
- 1st The Native
- 3rd Tigger Too
•Radnor CCI**
- 2nd Persistent Rain
•Rolex CCI****
- 1st Giltedge
- 2nd Custom Made
•Individual Gold, Olympic Games, Sydney, Australia
- Custom Made
•Team Bronze, Olympic Games, Sydney, Australia
- Giltedge
•Rolex CCI****
- 2nd Rattle and Hum (highest placed American)
