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Olympic Games

2024 Paris Paralympics: USA’s Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H Fifth in Para Dressage Grade I Freestyle

Horse Illustrated equestrian events coverageHorse Illustrated equestrian events coverage



Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and Karin Flint’s Fan Tastico H competed today in the Grade I Freestyle Para Dressage at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, finishing fifth on 77.307%. They performed to the music of The Lion King. Fan Tastico H is a 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Fuersentaball OLD x Weltmeyer). He is cared for by Rafael Hernandez-Carillo.

Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H in Grade I Freestyle at the Paris 2024 ParalympicsRoxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H in Grade I Freestyle at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H. Photo by Sarah Miller/MacMillan Photography



Trunnell’s parents, sister and Fanta’s owner Flint were all here to support her as she won Grade I Individual silver and was part of the gold-medal-winning U.S. team earlier this week. Her new puppy, a Chinese Crested named Obi-Wan, was also here in France with her, but did not make a public appearance. (Trunnell says Obi-Wan will make his debut at another show in the future.)

Roxanne Trunnell talked about her favorite point in their freestyle test today and what the experience has been like for her in France, “I liked his serpentines today, he really seemed to loosen up in those. It wasn’t his best test today, but he really tried. It’s been really great being here. My dad, mother, sister, and Fantastic’s owner, Karin Flint, are all here to support me.”

Taking the gold medal in Grade I Freestyle was Latvia’s Rihards Snikus riding the amazingly consistent and kind horse, King of the Dance. They scored a decisive 82.487%, riding to upbeat Latin music. This was Snikus’s second gold medal of the week since he also captured the Grade I Individual on September 3.

Sara Morganti from Italy won silver with Mariebelle (81.407%). Great Britain’s Mari Durward-Akhurst riding Athena Lindebjerg finished with the bronze (77.747%).

View the full Grade I Individual Freestyle Para Dressage results here.

Watch all of the Paris 2024 para equestrian action livestreamed or played back on demand (subscription required). For more information, go to NBCOlympics.com. For more coverage, visit our Paris 2024 Paralympics main page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

Kim MacMillan

Kim MacMillan graduated from Purdue University where she majored in agriculture communications and animal science. She has been reporting on equestrian sports, agriculture, science, travel and history for over 35 years. She and her husband Allen, who is a professional photographer, have covered several World Equestrian, Olympic and Pan American Games. The MacMillans share their Northeastern Indiana farm with several much-loved horses, dogs and cats.

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