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Devon
Maitozo Vaults into Third at World Equestrian Games
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Jerez
de Frontera, Spain – September 12, 2002 – Devon Maitozo
of Acton, CA vaulted his way into third place from tenth in the
Individual Men’s Freestyle division of Vaulting on Thursday
at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
The
U.S. team, Free Artists Creative Equestrians (FACE) of Moorpark,
CA, moved up one place to fifth and into possible medal position.
“I
am very happy with my Kur today,” said Maitozo. “I had
a few problems with the compulsories, but today went great. I
received a few tens, so that helped.”
Maitozo
is now in contention for a medal going into the second round,
but the 1998 World Champion has much to overcome for another Gold
Medal.
“It
would be very tough to get the Gold,” said Maitozo. “Matthias
Lang (FRA) and Gero Meyer (GER) both did very well, I will need
some luck, but hopefully I will get a medal.”
Maitozo
also coaches and choreographed the difficult routine for the Team
Freestyle competition which earned FACE their improved position.
“I
was on the edge of my seat watching the team,” said Maitozo.
“There were a few tense moments, but they did very well.
They had so much energy.”
The
top three stayed the same going into the second round - Germany
is in the lead with a score of 8.226,
second
place Switzerland has a score of 8.146 and Sweden’s third
place score is 7.738.
Vaulting
competition continues on Friday with Round B Team and Men’s
Compulsories and Round A Women’s Freestyle competition.
For
comprehensive coverage the 2002 World Equestrian Games, please
visit the United States Equestrian Team’s website at www.uset.org.
The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization
that selects, trains, equips and finances equestrians of the highest
possible standard to represent our country in major international
competition, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships.
To accomplish this, the USET seeks out and nurtures the development
of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides
the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest
potential. For more information on the USET, please call (908)
234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org
.
