Castlemagner’s Shane Sweetnam is heading back to the Olympics.
The world number three has helped Ireland’s showjumping team secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, delivering another major milestone in what has become a remarkable period for the Cork rider.
Sweetnam and his Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz played a key role as Ireland climbed from 10th to seventh in a dramatic World Championship team final in Aachen, securing one of the all-important qualification places for LA28.
It means the Castlemagner Olympian can now look ahead to another appearance on sport’s biggest stage, with Ireland’s place at the Games secured after a hugely demanding week of championship competition.
Sweetnam was part of Jessica Kürten’s Irish team alongside Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue, Bertram Allen and Qonquest De Rigo, and Cian O’Connor with Chatolinue PS.
On what proved to be a difficult and dramatic night for the world’s best riders, Ireland produced a determined team performance to finish seventh overall.
All three of Ireland’s combinations finished with just one pole down for four faults, with the team posting a final tally of 23.69. That was enough to secure the crucial Olympic qualification spot, despite the withdrawal of Darragh Kenny’s Eddy Blue during the day.
The result means Ireland’s showjumpers will join the country’s Eventing team on the plane to Los Angeles, after the eventers secured their own Olympic place with a fourth-place finish in Aachen last Sunday.
For Sweetnam, there was still more to come.
The Cork rider and James Kann Cruz went on to compete in the Individual Final, where he finished 15th after the cruellest of moments at the final fence.
Sweetnam was desperately unlucky to have just one rail down at the very last obstacle, bringing an excellent championship to an end and denying the pair the chance to finish even higher.
Speaking afterwards, Sweetnam paid tribute to his horse.
“I’m really proud of my horse. On another week we could have been jumping for a medal, but that’s the way our sport is. I’m very happy with how he performed this week.”
While there was disappointment at the final fence, the bigger picture is a hugely positive one for Sweetnam and Irish showjumping.
The Castlemagner rider has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent months, climbing to number three in the world rankings following his recent maiden Rolex Grand Prix victory in Sweden.
Now, with qualification for LA28 secured, another Olympic campaign is firmly on the horizon.