May 18 (Reuters) - Chilean rider Jaime Bittner will not be able to compete in equestrian eventing at the Paris Olympics after his horse Eden died of an infection, the Chilean Olympic Committee said on Saturday.
Bittner, a captain in the Chilean army, qualified for this summer's Olympics with his beloved horse Eden after being crowned national equestrian champion last December.
According to Olympic regulations, both riders and horses are eligible to compete, and the Chilean Olympic Committee does not have substitute athletes, so there is no one else to fill the positions of Bittner and Eden.
"The Chilean Equestrian Federation has informed the Chilean Equestrian Federation that Eden has tragically died due to an internal infection," the Chilean Equestrian Federation said in a statement. The Chilean team will not be able to use this quota in official matches in Paris, as a duo consisting of two people is considered qualified. We deeply regret the passing of 'Eden' and we support Jamie Bittner at this painful time. ”
Due to Bittner's absence, the number of athletes in the Chilean Olympic delegation has been reduced to 22.
Bittner's story reminds us that there are many unpredictable factors in sports. Equestrian sports, as a project in which humans and animals participate together, need to face various challenges and uncertainties. Their stories are also a microcosm of sportsmanship and the fragility of life. Despite such an unfortunate event, Bittner received support and encouragement from all sides. Hopefully, Bittner will be able to recover from this blow and continue to shine in equestrian sports in the future.