United States

America's Oldest Olympian Phillip Dutton Jumps to Equestrian Medal

Equestrian Phillip Dutton turns 53 years old next month but on Tuesday the American equestrian got himself an early birthday gift at the Rio Olympics — a medal.

An improbable win as America's oldest Olympian Phillip Dutton put together impressive cross country and jumping routines to earn a bronze medal in eventing.

Dutton, a six-time Olympian who previously won gold twice for his native Australia before becoming an American citizen and competing for the United States the last three Olympics, lives in suburban Philadelphia.

Dutton, who now calls Chester County, Pennsylvania, home, and his horse Mighty Nice knocked down one rail on the final jumping round to incur a four-point penalty but jumped into third place as Australia's Christopher Burton knocked down two rails to post a 53.10 to Dutton's 51.80.

Dutton and fellow Aussie-turned-American Boyd Martin gave astounding cross-country performances Monday, landing the Americans at top spots heading into Tuesday's final jumping phase. They were the only members of Team USA to complete French designer Pierre Michelet’s cross-country course, causing the team to discontinue competition for an Olympic team title.

Germany's Michael Jung took gold and France's Astier Nichols won silver.

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